In a demanding budgetary context, the Minister for Civil Service, Jacqueline Galant, has proposed a common-sense measure to the Government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation : to end the reimbursement of first-class travel tickets for civil servants of the Community administration. Specifically, a draft decree adopted in first reading this Friday provides that all professional journeys made by public transport will now be reimbursed on the basis of a second-class ticket, regardless of the employee's grade. This reform puts an end to a rule dating from 1965, which still allowed certain categories of staff to travel first class at the community's expense. “In the current budgetary context, it is no longer justifiable for public money to fund first-class travel tickets in the administration. The exemplary nature of the State also begins with concrete and consistent decisions,” stresses the Minister for Civil Service.
A measure for savings and consistency
In 2024, spending on first-class travel tickets amounted to more than €156,000. By systematically applying second-class reimbursement, a structural saving estimated at more than €60,000 a year can be achieved, with no impact on the smooth running of the services.
Moreover, this decision brings the administration of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation into line with practices already in force at federal level, where first-class tickets have not been reimbursed for nearly 10 years.
An exemplary civil service
This reform is part of a broader approach to rigorous, responsible and modern management of the civil service, championed by the Minister.
“Being exemplary in the use of public funds is a political responsibility. Every euro saved is a euro that can be reinvested where it is truly useful,” concludes Jacqueline Galant.
The draft decree will be submitted to advisory bodies and trade union consultation, before being sent to the Council of State.