This Thursday, 5 June, "Jeudi en Prime" on RTBF hosted a highly anticipated debate between Georges-Louis Bouchez and Paul Magnette, one year after the elections. An opportunity for both leaders to confront their views on key issues: taxation, employment, security, immigration and international policy.
From the very first exchanges, Georges-Louis Bouchez stood out for the clarity of his arguments and his defence of a concrete record. He recalled that, since the federal government with the MR took office just four months ago, major reforms have been undertaken: tax cuts, reduction of registration duties to 3% in Wallonia, halving of inheritance taxes, and €5 billion in tax cuts targeting workers, particularly low and middle incomes. All measures impossible to achieve under the previous coalition with the PS.
On security and justice, the MR President managed to set the tone: tougher immigration rules, retention of early retirement for police officers, preferential scheme for firefighters, and recognition for military personnel. He also stressed the need to put work back at the centre of society, with simplified support into employment and increased support for municipalities.
Facing a Paul Magnette who was often on the defensive, Georges-Louis Bouchez demonstrated his consistency: rejection of partisan exclusions, defence of the neutrality of the State, opposition to wearing religious symbols and to ritual slaughter, and loyalty to the rule of law.