At the MR's New Year's greetings in Namur, Georges-Louis Bouchez expressed his delight that liberal ideas and values are now permeating society as a whole.
The MR's New Year tour stopped in Temploux, in the province of Namur, on Tuesday 6 January.
Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval, chairman of the MR federation of Namur, was the first to speak, enthusiastically: “For 11 years now I have had the pleasure of being your provincial federation chairman. I have rarely experienced a moment like this, a moment when our party can truly influence the course of events and make the decisions we have long been waiting for. Thanks to the magnificent electoral victory of 2024, we were able to establish a strong presence at every level of government. But just like scoring a try in rugby, we must now convert that victory into concrete achievements. And that is exactly what we are doing. Because today, at every level of government, we are engaged in an unprecedented reform process.”
National chairman of the Jeugd MR, Cédric de Buf, and Namur provincial chairman of the Jeugd MR, Julien Barreau, then took the stage to share their pride in being liberal: “Today, young people no longer hide their convictions. They dare to defend freedom, entrepreneurship, responsibility and boldness. Being liberal is now an openly embraced pride, an energy that is driving Wallonia and Belgium forward.”
Walloon Energy Minister Cécile Neven, who is from Namur, was then celebrated, as 6 January was her birthday.
Federal Minister for SMEs and Self-Employed Workers Éléonore Simonet then answered questions from entrepreneurs. She addressed in particular the surge in the number of long-term sick: “Belgium has more than 500,000 long-term sick people, a record compared to our neighbouring countries. It is time to strengthen the credibility of checks and make all stakeholders accountable. The government is acting: a “Return to Work” plan to reintegrate 100,000 people, closer monitoring of health insurance funds and doctors, and adjustment of the rules for greater efficiency and fairness. Solidarity must remain complete, but it works both ways: those who can work must contribute. That is how we sustainably protect our social security.”
The minister, who had presented her SME plan to the press that very morning, also spoke about her efforts to support self-employed workers: “Starting a business must no longer be an obstacle course! Fewer barriers, more opportunities for our self-employed workers and SMEs. The government is acting: extended flexi-jobs, reduced employer contributions, the 2025 SME plan with 89 concrete measures to boost competitiveness, simplify procedures and digitalise administration. Support for self-employed workers is being strengthened through an improved social status and maternity leave aligned with that of employees. The freedom to choose, that too is part of being liberal.”
Finally, MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez shared his priorities for 2026 and praised the commitment of elected representatives and activists: “When I became MR President in 2019, the word ‘liberal’ had become taboo. We didn't even carry it in our name any more. I said: let's embrace it! And that is how the hashtag Fier d'être Libéral was born. Today, everyone claims to be liberal. It has become fashionable! All the better. It proves that our project resonates and that our values bring people together. Others may imitate us, but they will never match us. In the coming months, there will be attacks, caricatures, doubts… But we must neither retreat nor apologise. We must convince, explain, be present on the ground. Because we are working for those who build our country, for the future of our children, for the security of Belgium and the sovereignty of Europe.”
On Wednesday 7 January, the New Year tour continues in Liège. Not registered yet? You can do so here