Invited by Le Soir as part of a series pitting two personalities with different visions of society against each other, our President Georges-Louis Bouchez and economist Bruno Colmant debated the economic and social future of Belgium.
In response to concerns about artificial intelligence, debt or the funding of social security, the MR President defended a clear line: Belgium must move beyond budgetary tinkering, cut red tape and recreate the conditions for growth.
“We tinker, tinker, tinker,” summarised Georges-Louis Bouchez, denouncing a policy that too often limits itself to dealing with next year's emergencies without preparing for the future. The country must make structural decisions and set a course: “The moment you fail to make the decision, it will take even longer.”
Less red tape, more confidence
Georges-Louis Bouchez particularly criticised an overly complex administration that multiplies procedures and rules instead of making life easier for citizens and businesses.
“When a civil service is too legalistic, it creates work for itself. The goal is not to weaken public services, but to make them more efficient, in order to reduce unnecessary spending, lighten the burden and support economic activity.”
For Georges-Louis Bouchez, the answer to budgetary challenges cannot be a systematic tax increase: “No country has reduced its public deficit by funding it through taxation. The vast majority have reduced their public spending.”
AI, an opportunity to seize
While Bruno Colmant warned of the consequences of artificial intelligence for employment, Georges-Louis Bouchez called for resistance to pessimism. AI and automation can free workers from repetitive tasks and strengthen human support, in care, retail or services.
“Human beings will always entrust machines with what they don't like doing or what is tedious,” he stated. The challenge, then, is to invest in skills, innovation and the adaptation of our economy.
Making Belgium an attractive country
Belgium and Europe must create the conditions for innovation to develop here rather than elsewhere. “We must create every possible mechanism that favours the presence [of capital] in Belgium,” he insisted.
Faced with technological, demographic and budgetary challenges, the MR champions a Belgium that reforms, attracts investors, supports work and makes growth the engine of lasting social protection.