Bart De Wever was the surprise guest at the Mouvement Réformateur's Estivales in Walibi, making an unexpected appearance before the 8,000 participants gathered for this major political rentrée event. This appearance, announced at the last minute by MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez, highlights the liberal family's priorities on the country's key issues.
Address by Prime Minister Bart De Wever
What a pleasure, what a pleasure to see you this morning. I'm glad I already had a cup of coffee before arriving, because you need to be steady on your feet to run into Georges-Louis in the morning. George-Louis already bounces higher than a Walibi ride on an ordinary weekday. Imagine the most important day of his year, this day, this family day.
I was truly touched by his invitation to rise up together with all of you, all the more so here, at Walibi, founded by a proud Antwerp native. Bart De Wever, Bart De Wavre, I feel completely at home. I thought it was an excellent opportunity to meet you all and to thank you. Thank you for your courage, thank you for your perseverance in thoroughly reforming the country together. Because these reforms are truly necessary, and for that we need a strong MR.
Dear friends, Ali Baba's palace still exists in the minds of the left-wing opposition. But we know very well that it is a fairy tale. Even at Walibi, that attraction disappeared long ago. In today's uncertain world, vampires and werewolves feel more at ease, but they must not frighten us - they must make us stronger to take the decisions that are needed today. Over the past 6 months, we have made significant progress in getting this country back on track. Together, we have finally reversed the disastrous decision to abandon nuclear energy, which is an essential means of keeping our energy affordable and available. Together, we have finally limited unemployment benefits in time. We are betting on the principle that work must pay, we want more people to work and earn significantly more than a benefit. We are giving our entrepreneurs new momentum and strengthening the purchasing power of our families, particularly for small self-employed workers and SMEs. We are simplifying the rules and offering more flexibility when everyone works. When our businesses have the opportunity to grow, we achieve maximum prosperity for the maximum number of people. We are reforming our pensions for the long term to guarantee the financial sustainability of social security. And we are investing massively in security and defence. Our country must become more resilient and ready to face these challenges. We are also strengthening our asylum and immigration policy. An asylum application no longer automatically grants access to social assistance. Family reunification is subject to much stricter conditions. Those who wish to settle in Belgium must commit to our society - we expect newcomers to work, learn the language and respect our values.
My dear friends, for all these reforms, the MR's support has been crucial. The road ahead is still difficult, steep and shadowed. Make no mistake, nothing will be given to us. Over the coming years, we must climb an arduous pass, but we know very well that the view from the summit will be worth it. That is why we will not give up, we will simply keep moving forward. Together. Because we know what awaits us and what is at stake. Protecting our prosperity. Securing the future of our children. We work on this together every day with our coalition partners. We want to reform, we want to commit. And for that, we truly need your support. And that is why we cherish you all. I hope you have a wonderful day with your families, and I am very honoured to be among you. Thank you.
