On Wednesday evening, a debate between the leaders of the political parties was held on RTBF, focused on a crucial issue: purchasing power. As Belgians grow increasingly concerned about their ability to make ends meet, political leaders set out their visions and proposals to address this major concern.
Georges-Louis Bouchez opened the debate by pointing to a worrying reality: Belgium ranks first in the world for tax on labour, and is also on the European podium for wealth tax. Despite having some of the highest public spending in Europe, Belgium's employment rate remains among the lowest on the continent, an alarming situation resulting from left-wing political choices.
To address this situation, the MR proposes a series of clear measures. Firstly, a drastic reduction in public spending along with a significant tax cut for workers, estimated at €10 billion. A flagship proposal from the Liberals is to establish a €500 gap between income from social benefits and income from work, in order to encourage employment. Furthermore, the MR is committed to raising the employment rate, while highlighting the huge 12-point disparity between Wallonia and Flanders in this regard. Limiting unemployment benefits to 2 years is also part of the party's programme.
Another topic: public spending. With the equivalent of 55% of GDP devoted to public spending, Belgium ranks among the biggest spenders in the world. The MR President criticised this trend, stressing that it is essential to manage existing resources better before asking taxpayers for more.
On the issue of employment, the Liberal also expressed disagreement with certain proposals, such as lifelong unemployment benefits or a 32-hour working week, arguing that these are not viable solutions. He advocated for an incentive to work through a €500 gap between social benefits and earned income, also highlighting the need for reform in employment services to genuinely activate jobseekers.
Finally, the debate also addressed the issue of housing, with registration fees varying drastically between regions. The MR denounced this inequality, advocating for the harmonisation of property taxes. In addition, proposals were put forward to ease inheritance tax, in order to facilitate the transfer of family assets and promote young people's access to the property market.
In conclusion, Georges-Louis Bouchez recalled that purchasing power is essential to guarantee citizens a decent life, stressing that precariousness, particularly prevalent in Wallonia and Brussels, is as much cultural as economic. He called for an overhaul of the education system to give individuals the tools needed for their economic and social emancipation, in order to break the cycle of precariousness and allow everyone to build their own future.