The state must spend less so that workers can earn more. Ahead of Labour Day, Georges-Louis Bouchez reminds us that the MR stands by their side. "They are the ones who keep our country running: they must be rewarded."
"Most people only have their work to improve their lives and those of their children. The MR has become the liberal people's party that defends them," Mr Bouchez states in the Flemish newspapers Het Laatste Nieuws and De Tijd. "That is why it was so important to give back to them the money the state is currently receiving in excess because of high fuel prices. We fought hard for this principle. And there is nothing more liberal than cutting taxes."
For the MR, there is only one remedy to increase workers' net income: seriously reduce public spending and boost economic growth. "Belgium needs industry and economic investment. Our societal model is based on growth: without it, spending can no longer be funded and tax revenues fall short. Other parties keep proposing new taxes to plug the deficit, but I reject that logic. The reasoning is simple: less public spending for more purchasing power. With that in mind, I will never accept a VAT increase, because it affects everyone."
In the coming weeks, the government will have to make decisions worth billions to restore public finances. For Mr Bouchez, this must be achieved almost entirely through a reduction in state spending. According to him, this can largely be achieved through three strong measures: "First: implement the tax reform and make the necessary defence investments, without launching new costly policies. Second: end the automatic indexation of public budgets and only index wages. Third: ensure that all ministers meet their budgetary targets, in order to avoid any deficit compared to the government agreement."
The president knows that we are at a crucial moment. "The challenge is significant, but we have no choice but to succeed. Everyone must understand that the state must spend less. So no new taxes. The MR will take its responsibility for the future of our country and our children."