“With rising energy prices due to the war in Iran, there can be no question of tax increases,” says MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez to VTM. He also calls for a reduction in excise duties on oil and gas whenever prices soar. “That's how we protect consumers and businesses.”
“People wouldn't understand the government looking for new taxes under these circumstances, when we need to find four hundred million euros for the budget,” explains Bouchez. “I propose looking at that between June and September, once we have a clearer picture of the consequences of the conflict. By then we'll also know whether the promised savings and reforms have paid off sufficiently. In the meantime, I want to vote on the 2026 budget as quickly as possible.”
Mr Bouchez therefore wants to respect and implement the government's budget agreement, while preventing consumers from being hit with additional taxes at a time when energy prices are soaring. “We need to be realistic about the global situation and its consequences for the Belgian and European economy,” says Mr Bouchez. “More than twenty per cent of gas and oil is currently blocked, driving prices up. What I'm calling for is pragmatism and realism.”