Prime Minister Bart De Wever defended the federal government’s summer agreement on Thursday during a session of the House Committee on Home Affairs, following a request for debate by the opposition., reports 24brussels.
De Wever acknowledged that “not everything is pleasant,” but emphasized the necessity of the agreement which was finalized on Sunday night. He stated the agreement aims to “strengthen the economy, make work pay, and keep social security viable,” reiterating that the government is adopting a consultative approach while respecting acquired rights: “I hope people realise that engaging in dialogue can be rewarding.”
The Prime Minister noted that although the agreement’s objectives have been under discussion for years, “no concrete progress has been made for far too long.” He asserted that this situation is “finally coming to an end.”
Labour reforms and purchasing power
De Wever rejected accusations that the labour market reforms amount to “social erosion,” describing them as essential for enhancing competitiveness. “Employees also benefit, because it has a direct, positive impact on their wages,” he added.
Under the new measures, labour taxes will be lowered to incentivize employment over inactivity. Furthermore, a substantial €4.4 billion in purchasing power measures will be implemented to assist households. “Agreements have been made to broaden the bank on the other side as well,” De Wever mentioned.
Pension and healthcare reforms
The Prime Minister addressed concerns regarding pension reform, arguing that the current strain on the system results from years of stagnation. “The government is doing what is necessary to guarantee pensions for those who come after us,” he stated, assuring that existing rights will be maintained and changes will be phased in.
On healthcare issues, he supported Minister Frank Vandenbroucke in light of critiques from medical professionals, citing the inflationary impacts of escalating hospital fees. “Ultimately, families end up paying the price,” De Wever remarked. He confirmed that legislative texts would be refined in the following weeks, with a willingness to adjust if “undesirable effects” arise, particularly for women.
Broad government support
The summer agreement received praise from members of the governing coalition. N-VA parliamentary leader Axel Ronse presented De Wever with a compass symbolic of “further reforms,” bestowing upon the agreement “the highest distinction.” Denis Ducarme (MR) labeled it “the best agreement since the beginning of the legislature,” while Jean-François Gatelier (Les Engagés) characterized it as centrist, stating: “It doesn’t take a single euro away from the most vulnerable.”
Oskar Seuntjens from Vooruit defended the reforms as crucial for safeguarding Belgium’s social model, asserting, “Doing nothing would have left future generations empty-handed.” Koen Van den Heuvel (CD&V) added that the healthcare budget is projected to increase from €40 billion to nearly €50 billion, and pensions from €70 billion to €85 billion during the current term, stressing, “We are reforming to make this financially sustainable in the long term.”
Opposition criticism
Opposition parties expressed skepticism regarding the agreement’s efficacy. Barbara Pas of Vlaams Belang dismissed it as “tinkering on the margins,” insisting that Flemish taxpayers continue to bear the expenses of migration and the federal structure without meaningful reforms.
Sophie Merckx from PVDA condemned the agreement as the “social demolition of the century,” criticizing the delay in purchasing power measures until 2029, which she deemed insufficient amidst rising living costs.
Stefaan Van Hecke of Groen labeled the reforms as “ultra-liberal, right-wing and antisocial,” highlighting health risks linked to night work and cautioning against a potential “rupture instead of unity.” Khalil Aouasti from PS echoed these sentiments, alleging the government delivers “a blow instead of an outstretched hand.”
Finally, Steven Coenegrachts of Open VLD acknowledged the labour reforms but criticized the postponement of tax cuts, stating, “Seeing is believing.”
