The new Walloon Government, a coalition of MR and Les Engagés, begins its first budget meeting of the legislative session on Monday. The first meeting comes amid concerns over significant regional debt recently described as "very worrying" by Regional Minister-President Adrien Dolimont, who is also responsible for the Budget.
Dolimont highlighted that the Region's debt is expected to approach €41 billion by the end of 2025, underlining the urgency of drastically reducing the deficit. He stressed that without changes, the deficit could reach €840 million by 2029, whereas a surplus of €40 million is needed by then, including new government expenditures.
Significant efforts will be required, and the opposition has warned that these measures may heavily impact citizens, criticising the government's lack of clarity since taking office.
The majority insists its ambitions are clearly defined in its Regional Policy Declaration. The budget meeting, expected to last at least a week, will aim to meet the first-year target of -€2.36 billion, gradually reducing the deficit to reach balance by the end of the legislative session.
The government will also closely monitor Wallonia's annual exposure to financial markets to maintain investor confidence, especially as debt amortisation reaches an unprecedented €1.55 billion.
Additionally, the executive plans to address urgent issues such as supporting farmers affected by the blue tongue disease crisis and advancing key fiscal measures, including a reduction in registration fees announced in July.
