This Saturday, Georges-Louis Bouchez is the political guest of the newspapers Sudinfo, L'Echo, De Tijd and De Morgen to discuss the budget agreement and the major reforms driven by the MR. He details a historic consolidation of €32 billion, achieved 80% through savings and reforms and only 20% through new revenue, while maintaining a central principle: that someone who works always earns at least €500 net more than someone who does not.
On tax reform, Georges-Louis Bouchez highlights bringing forward the job bonus to 2026, the gradual increase of the tax-free allowance to €15,000, greater deductibility for dependent children, tax exemption for overtime and a more attractive framework for flexi-jobs. In his view, “those who work more should earn more”, and these measures concretely boost the purchasing power of low and middle incomes, while encouraging 100,000 people on long-term incapacity to return to work.
The MR President also stresses the protection of everyday shopping baskets: “We have protected the shopping trolley.” No general VAT increase was accepted, the basic rates remain unchanged, and the targeted adjustments (for example on hotel stays or certain takeaway meals) do not affect everyday products, while the fall in electricity prices offsets the rise in gas excise duties. He reiterates that the MR refuses any new tax and favours structural reforms and savings in public spending.
Asked about public spending and justice, he calls for better streamlining, notably regarding the number of court buildings and the municipal network, in order to achieve genuine economies of scale. Faced with criticism and strike movements, he finally reminds that the MR was elected on a programme of budgetary responsibility and valuing work: the direction is clear, reform rather than tax, protect purchasing power rather than give in to the easy path of debt.