“I am optimistic about our country. But politicians must have the courage to make decisions with far-reaching consequences and to explain them to the public.” Georges-Louis Bouchez sees the upcoming budget conclave as the last chance to carry out major reforms. “Let's cut public spending and stop raising taxes.”
The MR President had been invited to the coast to speak before the Maritieme Kring Zeebrugge, a business circle bringing together company leaders, entrepreneurs, suppliers and decision-makers committed to the future of the Port of Zeebrugge. At the initiative of Johnny Hofman, CEO of Flanders Ship Repair, a large gathering of participants had been brought together. The Mayor of Bruges, Dirk De Fauw (cd&v), welcomed Mr Bouchez. Admiral Tanguy Botman, commander of the Belgian Navy component, was also present to meet him. Our country's naval base is located at the heart of the port complex.
“In Belgium, politicians haven't spoken about one essential topic for twenty years: economic growth,” said Mr Bouchez. “Europe is being overtaken by the United States and China. At the start of the nineties, Europe accounted for a quarter of the world's wealth. Today, that figure is only 9%.” Growth in Belgium stands at between 1 and 1.5%, while inflation is two to three times higher. “In this way, we are automatically losing purchasing power and prosperity.”
But how does Georges-Louis Bouchez intend to reverse the trend? “By guaranteeing cheap and abundant energy, because it is the foundation of our society and civilisation. In Europe, energy costs twice as much as in the United States or China. Fossil fuels are taxed too heavily in the European Union, and the alternatives are also costly. Technology and infrastructure have fallen behind due to a lack of growth and investment.”
Belgium will need ten billion euros over the next ten years to develop its electricity grid. New nuclear power plants will also be needed. We will only be able to finance these investments if our economy returns to stronger growth, so that our revenues increase. “Thanks to cheap energy, the United States and China have been able to keep growing and creating wealth. They invested that money in nuclear power plants, wind turbines and solar panels,” notes Mr Bouchez.
No new taxes
The MR President is calling for fewer unnecessary regulations, less administrative burden and lower taxes for our businesses. “For strategic permits, it is now the regional government that will decide in Wallonia, with a decision within six months, because we urgently need more industry and infrastructure.”
“Belgium doesn't have a revenue problem, but a problem of excessively high public spending. This needs to come down. Otherwise, we will keep ending up with budget deficits that other parties will want to offset with new taxes. The MR no longer wants any new taxes.”
Georges-Louis Bouchez reaffirmed that he will continue to support those who work, save and invest.