On this 1 May 2025, the Mouvement Réformateur gathered 2,000 activists, supporters and elected representatives in Charleroi to finally celebrate work.
The morning began with a panel on employment, hosted by ministers David Clarinval and Pierre-Yves Jeholet.
Both stressed that the ongoing reforms are not mere technical adjustments, but a profound transformation of the Belgian work model. Among the flagship measures: allowing students to work up to 650 hours a year for 15 years, reintroducing trial clauses in contracts, and ending income limits for retired self-employed workers.
The tax reform under preparation aims to boost workers' purchasing power, notably through a targeted reduction in social contributions for SMEs. At the same time, the modernisation of the labour market continues with the expansion of flexi-jobs, the recognition of overtime, including environmental overtime, and firm support for entrepreneurship. As Pierre-Yves Jeholet recalled: “We are putting work back at the centre of everything, with a single line: reward effort, activate talent, and break the culture of welfare dependency.”
The second panel focused on education, in the presence of MP Stéphanie Cortisse.
Her message was clear: to raise educational standards, teachers' authority must be restored while strengthening fundamental skills. The CLÉ test (Counting, Reading, wErting) will be introduced at the start of third grade primary school from 2026 to objectively assess pupils' progress.
At the same time, inclusive classes will be developed to better support children with specific needs, particularly those with autism spectrum disorders. Dutch teaching will be made widespread from third grade primary school, along with strengthened language learning in curricula. A strong signal: permanent contracts may be offered to young teachers right from the start of their careers to stabilise the profession. “Respect for teachers is not just a matter of salary, it's a matter of social recognition. We are acting on both fronts,” stressed Stéphanie Cortisse.
To loud applause, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal took the floor.
He gave an uncompromising assessment of the state of the world and the responsibility of liberal democracies. “What is at stake in Ukraine goes beyond its borders. It is democracy that is being tested. It is freedom that is under attack. It is Europe that is being provoked.”
Calling for an end to naivety and for Europe to embrace its power, Gabriel Attal defended an ambitious vision of 21st-century Europe: an industrial power, a technological power, a democratic power. He also warned of the risk of the continent's decline: “If we do not react, Europe will become the world's retirement home.”
In Charleroi, a city emblematic of industrial reconversion, his message resonated strongly: “Let us make Europe the continent of work, innovation and artificial intelligence. Progress is a responsibility.” He praised the actions of Belgian liberals, the convergence of visions with the MR, and the alliance of liberal democracies built with Renew Europe. A powerful address that gave the congress a European dimension.
Finally, Georges-Louis Bouchez closed the congress with a speech of truth and commitment.
He recalled the clear mandate given by voters in the 9 June 2024 election: “The victory of 9 June is not an end, it is a beginning. Work is no longer an option, it is a collective requirement.” He praised the reforms passed, such as limiting unemployment benefits to two years, denounced the complacency of certain unions towards abuse, and affirmed the need to restore a social contract based on reciprocity.
He also detailed future measures in Brussels, where the MR intends to defend an ambitious policy statement to lift the Region out of economic and social stagnation. “Brussels deserves better. And we will not govern on the terms of those who have failed for the last 20 years.”