"The European carbon tax must disappear or be postponed. Otherwise, the promised tax cut from our tax reform risks being completely wiped out." For Georges-Louis Bouchez, the so-called ETS2 tax will erode purchasing power and slow down investment.
The MR President was last Tuesday in Kortrijk, the main speaker at the official opening of MATEXPO, a biennial trade fair for construction machinery and equipment. Before 500 professionals and representatives from the construction sector, he put forward three themes: lower taxes, faster permit procedures and affordable energy. "Only in this way can the construction sector remain a driver of our economy and a source of employment and prosperity."
"The government must stop handing out bonuses for almost everything. People first pay taxes and then receive cheques back from the state. That makes no sense. Instead, I want to cut taxes further," Bouchez began his speech. "We have reduced the tax on demolition and reconstruction to 6%. That helps both the construction sector and the consumer. In addition, the government is now cutting taxes by 5 billion. But that is not enough yet. Those who work must keep more net pay, and starting next year. We pay too much in taxes and social contributions. Labour costs must also come down."
GLB promised to continue working on administrative simplification. "No one should have to wait more than six months for a permit. The new centre-right Walloon government is committed to this. In Brussels, there has been catastrophic paralysis for years. It sometimes takes ten years to get a permit there. Which investor would still accept that?!"
Green tax
"Energy is the basis of our prosperity. Affordable energy is essential for businesses and citizens. That's why we are keeping our nuclear power plants open and looking for additional nuclear sites. The federal energy standard must ensure that energy remains affordable for businesses," Bouchez explained.
"But ETS2, the European carbon tax, is irresponsible. From 2027, it will also apply to the construction and transport sectors. Not only will this tax slow down investment, but industries will also pass the rising costs on to consumers in their prices. This means the promised tax cut in our tax reform risks being completely lost. For a family, we're quickly talking about 1,000 to 1,500 euros in extra costs per year because of ETS2. This green tax must therefore disappear or be postponed. I will work towards this. No tax has ever saved our planet."
Bouchez once again extended his hand to entrepreneurs and workers: "I want to bring a message of hope. The MR is here to listen to you and help you. Together we can boost our employment and prosperity. Ending unemployment benefits after two years will help guide people towards essential understaffed professions. The government is making the labour market more flexible and lowering the tax on overtime. Together we are building a society of work and prosperity!"
Matexpo in Kortrijk is the largest trade fair of its kind in the Benelux, with 350 exhibitors and 40,000 visitors across some 135,000m² of space. This year the fair takes place for the 41st time. Visitors are mainly construction professionals: road works, civil engineering, structural work, earthmoving and recycling.