15 May 2025 will go down in Belgium's energy history: the nuclear phase-out law was repealed by the Chamber with a wide majority. The Bihet Law is now in force. This is a major political victory for the Mouvement Réformateur, which has for years defended a pragmatic, sustainable and sovereign vision of our energy future. The MR promised it, the MR delivered it.
For President Georges-Louis Bouchez, this reform seals the failure of a dogmatic model championed by the Greens and finally clears the way for a rational and realistic energy mix. "Historic day! The MR promised it, the MR delivered it: the nuclear phase-out law died tonight! This marks the complete bankruptcy of the green model that nearly drove Belgium into a wall. Now, room for a new energy mix!" he declared.
Liberal Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval also welcomed this historic breakthrough, the result of a long-standing commitment. As early as 2014, together with Corentin de Salle, he was already calling for the repeal of this law in their book Fiasco énergétique. "The word is sometimes overused, but for me, this day is truly historic for our country. We are finally choosing low-carbon, abundant and affordable energy for our citizens and businesses. This is the end of green dogmatism, the victory of pragmatism! Well done to Mathieu Bihet, alias 'Atomic Boy', for his relentless commitment and for securing this historic vote!"
Mathieu Bihet, now Minister for Energy, is the one who carried this reform through from start to finish, from his first submission as an MP to its final adoption by the government. "I am proud to see this text, which I defended with conviction when I was an MP, come to fruition. Today, this vision becomes reality, backed by a large majority," he stressed.
In concrete terms, the Bihet law scraps the provisions on the nuclear phase-out timetable and the ban on building new production capacity. It allows Belgium to look to the future with a more balanced energy mix, more resilient to geopolitical uncertainties and better aligned with its climate goals. "It is no longer about pitting energy sources against each other, but combining them intelligently. Belgium finally has a realistic energy mix," the Minister said.
This reform represents a strategic turning point. It gives our country back the means to guarantee competitive prices for households and businesses, while reducing our dependence on imported fossil energy. It also offers strong industrial prospects: reviving an innovative nuclear sector, creating skilled jobs, supporting research and innovation, and accelerating the energy transition.
With this historic decision, the MR proves it is the driving force behind the reforms of the future. Where others hesitated or backed down, the liberals held firm and made common sense prevail. We are paving the way for a responsible, ambitious and forward-looking energy policy. More than ever, the future is brightening.