During the Chamber's plenary session on 13 November, Georges-Louis Bouchez questioned Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt about the RTL TVI television report “Sans boulot: tous fraudeurs?”, which highlights a well-known and major problem: long-term over-incapacity for work in Belgium, which is much higher than in neighbouring countries. The MR President denounced the “misery business model” that benefits certain trade unions, health insurance funds, left-wing political parties and recipients, where certain social benefits even exceed the median income of workers.
The MR President recalled that the government agreement provides for a cap preventing the combination of social benefits with an income higher than that of an employee, questioning the minister on the concrete implementation arrangements. He also highlighted the injustice for workers who contribute massively through their taxes, while certain recipients receive up to 2,400 euros net per month without carrying out any professional activity.
Georges-Louis Bouchez called for profound change, insisting on putting work back at the heart of society and reducing these inequalities: “The real contempt is this situation where those who work hard fund those who have never worked.” An ambitious reform of social benefits is now essential to restore social fairness in Belgium!