The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit), said he "does not believe in the 32-hour working week at all" in an interview with L'Echo.
The 68-year-old Flemish Socialist is on the campaign trail for the last time. In a long-ranging interview on Monday, he discussed his past work as Federal Health Minister and what he hopes to achieve in the next mandate.
"I don't believe in it at all, and I don't think it's what society is actually hoping for," Vandenbroucke said about the 32-hour working week, a subject that has been doing the rounds ahead of the Belgian elections on 9 June. A study published in April showed that 43% of parents were in favour of a reduced working week with the same salary to ease the burden of childcare.
"However, there is much to be done in terms of human resources management, quality of work and employee relations," he continued. "Companies in which an excessive number of employees are unable to work for long periods should be sanctioned financially."
The proportion of employees taking sick leave rose to record-breaking levels in 2023. Regarding long-term illness, Vandenbroucke introduced measures last year to help individuals return to work as quickly as possible.
Tax the rich
Both the Socialist Party (PS) and the Belgian Workers' Party (PTB-PVDA) have placed a heavy emphasis on a wealth tax in the run-up to the June ballot.
Vandenbroucke says taxing the rich is by no means a "miracle solution", but adds that "it is unacceptable that low-income earners should pay the full rate on inheritances and that large estates should be able to escape via donations." In this instance, Vooruit advocates an exemption of up to €250,000 and progressive taxation for figures higher than that.
Vooruit is a centre-left political party whose election manifesto prioritises purchasing power, affordable healthcare for all and better investment in education, healthcare and child support.
