Georges-Louis Bouchez has made this his battle cry in recent years, and the MR has kept its promise. The federal government is limiting unemployment benefits to two years for those under 55. "People who can work must work. Inactivity will no longer be an option in Belgium."
"This measure will now bring in €2 billion a year for the state. Money that will be used to boost workers' net pay," said the MR President. "Labour costs will be cut by €5 billion and social contributions by €1 billion. And all without any new tax. This government will stop wasting the money of Belgians."
Moreover, workers will be able to enjoy a higher pension thanks to the pension bonus. "Those who can work must work. Inactivity must no longer be a choice in our country. Those who are truly ill must be helped. Those who are truly struggling will be supported. But is it really excessive to ask people to actually work for 30 years to qualify for the minimum pension? Only on this condition can Belgium rejoin the European top tier."
"This budget agreement is the first step of a historic change. Our soldiers will now guard our nuclear power plants. This will free up 300 police officers who will strengthen security in cities like Brussels and Antwerp, without costing taxpayers or the Belgian state a single extra euro. This proves that we can provide solutions without spending additional money."
"The government agreement closely resembles the MR's programme. We therefore want to implement it successfully with our partners in government," concluded Mr Bouchez. "I will do everything I can to help Prime Minister Bart De Wever succeed. He has my full support."