Brussels MP Aurélie Czekalski was a guest on the programme “Les Experts”, broadcast on BX1 this Saturday. An opportunity to review current political affairs: the absence of a Brussels Government, the energy and climate transition, the low-emission zone…
Regarding the postponement of the low-emission zone phase, some associations have criticised the text adopted last October in the Brussels Parliament. Aurélie Czekalski recalled that the intention of the legislators and of the Brussels ordinance was clear: a two-year postponement for Euro 5 and Euro 2 vehicles. It is in this spirit that the text was voted on by MPs and is being applied by the regional authorities. She also recalled the reasons for this postponement to 2027, given the importance of limiting the social and economic impact on many disadvantaged households, who depend on older vehicles and do not have the financial means to change vehicles. This postponement offers them a gradual transition.
“Les Experts” looked at a recent parliamentary debate on various energy and climate provisions, including energy austerity measures affecting Brussels shops and the hospitality sector. The MP regretted the turn the discussions took in Parliament: “We are in a caretaker government context, where the outgoing Brussels minister is introducing new measures without genuine consultation with sector representatives. Yet the Brussels socio-economic situation is alarming: bankruptcies, judicial reorganisations, dissolutions, and so on. Just a few days ago, the president of the French-speaking Business Court raised the alarm.”
It is important to remember that the hospitality sector plays an essential role in Brussels. It creates conviviality. It is also a sector that provides many jobs. And we must support it. The MR is not opposed to energy austerity measures, but there are common-sense measures that can be taken by the actors on the ground themselves. That is everyone's responsibility. These actors, who keep our Region running, do not need sanctions or additional constraints given the daily difficulties they face.
The MR group wanted to withdraw the problematic articles, which could be discussed later at the negotiating table between Brussels partners, as part of an overall support plan for Brussels shops and the hospitality sector. A hand was extended to the other political partners, but the Brussels MR's amendments were rejected.
Regarding the insulation and renovation of Brussels buildings, Aurélie Czekalski recalled on the BX1 set the importance of having a fully-fledged Government to reassure the construction sector, but also to support citizens in their renovation works. Renovation is one of the MR's priorities. As a reminder, buildings are responsible for more than 60% of CO2 emissions in the Brussels Region.
Finally, Aurélie Czekalski stressed the urgency of forming a Brussels government to tackle the Region's socio-economic and environmental challenges. Economic recovery, controlling debt and the deficit, building renovation (responsible for a significant share of CO2 emissions), security, cleanliness, and so on must be priorities.
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