MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez was the guest on “Jeudi en prime” on RTBF on 12 February, the very evening of the historic agreement ending 22 years of absence of Brussels liberals from the regional executive. Visibly moved, he recalled the symbolic significance of this return to government, in the line of Jacques Simonet, while stressing that the MR's mark is clearly visible in the compromise reached!
On substance, several strong liberal hallmarks were highlighted: replacing the Good Move plan with a new mobility plan integrating security, economic activity and neighbourhood accessibility, easing LEZ sanctions through a yearly subscription system at €350 inspired by Antwerp, a return to budgetary balance by 2029 with €1 billion in savings, and a deep reform of the Brussels administration, cutting 25 structures down to 3 main pillars without layoffs. Georges-Louis Bouchez also stressed the doubling of the allowance that lowers property tax, extending the exemption to properties worth up to €800,000, refusing a general VAT increase, and a major €10 million “stations” plan to secure, clean and better support people in severe hardship around the main Brussels stations.
The priority: finally giving Brussels a stable, credible and reforming government. The MR President praised CD&V's choice to support the majority without demanding an additional post, seeing it as a “democratic gesture” serving the way out of the crisis rather than partisan interests. For the MR, this new government agreement must mark the return of a Brussels that protects purchasing power, improves security and cleanliness, and puts efficient management back at the heart of public action.