In Liège, the MR's New Year's greetings were an opportunity to denounce the violence against party events and to outline the party's main political priorities for the start of 2026, particularly regarding health insurance funds and prison overcrowding.
The atmosphere is always very heated at the MR's New Year's greetings in Liège, both inside and outside, where protesters gather every year. This time, however, there had been doubts about whether the event could be held at the Palais des Congrès for security reasons, but it did go ahead. As Liège provincial president Mathieu Bihet pointed out, "the Palais des Congrès in Liège is a symbolic place, a place of tradition, a place that says something essential: the MR is at home in Liège, just as it is everywhere democracy is freely exercised."
Mathieu Bihet first paid tribute to his predecessor Pierre-Yves Jeholet. “Thanks to him, the MR has become the 1e political force in the province, with nearly 40 mayoral posts and almost 500 elected representatives. This success is neither chance nor accident: it is the fruit of total commitment, a clear political line, ambitious agreements concluded with determination and a bold vision for our province, for Wallonia and for the country”.
He then addressed the violence the MR has faced in Liège in recent months: "in recent months, several MR gatherings in Liège have been disrupted and marred by violence from far-left splinter groups claiming to be anti-fascist but who, in reality, place themselves outside the democratic arena. They belong to that small left-wing club that refuses to accept the result of the ballot box. The MR does not need to hide. The MR does not need to apologise for existing. The MR must not give up occupying public and democratic space! We say it unambiguously: respect for authority, for the rule of law and for those who uphold it is non-negotiable. And if there are protesters outside determined to disrupt the celebration, let them know: election results are not replayed indefinitely. Democracy has spoken. It applies to everyone.
He, who is also federal Minister of Energy, also looked back at some of the MR's major achievements: "Being liberal, being a reformer, is a method. We don't promise everything to everyone. But we do what we were elected to do. Ending unlimited unemployment benefits: we said it, we did it. The return of nuclear power: we said it, we did it. Tax reform and raising the tax-free allowance: we said it, we did it. Lowering registration fees: we said it, we did it. Raising standards in our education system: we said it, we did it. That is the liberal method: reforms and efficiency.
Cédric de Buf, national president of the Jeunes MR, and Olivier Humblet, president of the Jeunes MR for the province of Liège, then spoke, paying tribute to the city where they studied: "Liège is a university city, a city of knowledge, pluralism and debate. We refuse to let campuses become restricted, ideologically closed spaces. We want to debate without intimidation. We have the right to commemorate the memory of Jean Gol. We have the right to debate on campuses and bring a liberal, modern and responsible vision to them. Particularly on artificial intelligence, climate and social justice. Artificial intelligence: no fantasy or fear, but a way of defining tomorrow's opportunities. Climate: no slogans or punishments, but credible, effective solutions. Social justice: through recognition of work and effort. Some on the left would do well to draw on Kennedy's phrase and paraphrase it: don't ask what society can do for you, ask what you can do for society."
Eléonore Simonet, federal Minister for SMEs and the Self-Employed, then took to the stage to answer a few questions and highlight some of her projects. “From 2026, shops will be able to open every day, including Sundays, until 9pm, if they wish. A measure of economic freedom to support both the self-employed and workers. This is not a step backwards, it is a restored balance between rights and responsibilities, between employers and employees. It is a liberal, modern and humane vision of work”. She also spoke about the flexibilisation of the labour market, which makes it possible to adapt our economy to realities on the ground: “The extension of flexi-jobs to all sectors from 1 April is a major reform: more fairness, more freedom, more opportunities. The income ceiling rises from €12,000 to €18,000, giving a real boost to those who want to work more. And that's not all: abolition of the ban on night work, an increase in voluntary overtime up to 450 hours, the return of the trial period, limitation of notice periods to 1 year, support for 100,000 long-term sick people back into work are all measures that will energise the world of work.
The MR President concluded the academic session with his speech. He first addressed the incidents taking place outside. "I have just read in the press that, apparently, they wrote 'Bouchez to the stake'... They also set fire to an effigy meant to represent me. And imagine, these people present themselves as anti-fascists. These same people claim to embody democracy and the side of good... yet they allow themselves to burn the effigy of a political opponent. There is a kind of role reversal here. It really is peculiar when those who claim to defend democracy adopt the methods of fascists, and when those who claim to love public debate try to silence it."
Georges-Louis Bouchez also recalled why it was important to gather in Liège: "Why do we refuse to change location? For a simple reason: if we go along with that logic, we liberals would be giving up fundamental freedoms! The lack of solidarity from other democratic political parties and the lack of outrage from part of the press is unacceptable! Because they think today this only concerns the MR. But tomorrow it will be Les Engagés. Later, perhaps moderates from the PS. And then, simply free thinkers."
The MR President then reflected on the necessary reforms carried out at all levels: "every child born in Belgium today already carries a debt of €50,000 to €60,000. An amount our children will have to repay, while also securing their own future and their generation's solidarity. The MR wants to guarantee that our children can still rely on a solid social system. The true social party is not the one that empties the coffers to the last cent, but the one that makes sure they will still be full for decades to come. The true social party is not the one that promises magic money, but the one that reminds us that the State is each and every one of us. That we must all contribute according to our means and receive support when life strikes us, without waiting for others to work in our place. The true social party, ladies and gentlemen, the true party of working people, is the MR."
Georges-Louis Bouchez then praised the work of Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet, who put an end to the nuclear phase-out and is securing the future of our energy supply.
He denounced the caricatures of the MR's actions in the press. "I was shocked to read articles, growing more impatient every day, fuelled by an opposition eager for drama and caricatures, seeking to portray us as inhumane. They predicted endless queues at the CPAS, hours of waiting... And in the end, things are being handled, running smoothly. I repeat: this measure was not taken to hurt people. Because make no mistake, what really hurts is inactivity."
The same reflex regarding this week's communication about health insurance funds, already distorted by the opposition. The MR never said the compulsory insurance should be taxed. We are talking about supplementary insurance products, those for which the health insurance funds compete directly with private companies such as DKV. These organisations sell exactly the same products. Yet while DKV, for example, pays over €100 million in taxes, the health insurance funds pay zero. Is that normal?"
On security, Georges-Louis Bouchez reiterated the MR's priorities in tackling prison overcrowding. "It is unacceptable that in our prisons, 43% of inmates are not Belgian nationals. That is double the European average. Some will cry fascism or far-right. But is it far-right to cite an official figure and say it should make us think? This figure should lead us to reflect on our migration policy and our relationship with immigration. Belgium is, and must remain, a welcoming country. A country that allows for the integration of women and men fleeing war or seeking a better future by working and participating in our society. But we must be firm towards those who come to exploit the system, to commit abuses, to enter our territory illegally."
In conclusion, he called for courage in the face of adversity. "Let us be courageous. Because courage is the only thing that makes it possible to achieve things and make a difference. Of course, there is the comfort of empty words... those of the KIDIBUL liberals. They call themselves liberal, but talk like the left. Very peculiar. I see them choosing the easy way rather than the courage of their convictions. When I became MR President, the word liberal was almost forbidden. Today they all claim to be liberals. But the real liberals, the courageous ones, the steadfast ones, those faithful to our values... they are here, tonight. They are the ones who carry and implement what we have always defended."
The New Year's greetings tour continues this Thursday, 8 January, in Brussels.