Party leaders must set aside "unrealistic and unaffordable election promises" and take responsibility in Federal Government negotiations, the President of Flemish business federation Voka has warned.
"The current deadlock is due to negligent behaviour," Voka President Rudy Provoost said at Bozar during a New Year's reception at Bozar on Monday.
Provoost highlighted deep-rooted issues, describing the situation of large industrial companies and the SMEs depending on them as "the most serious crisis in years."
He cited declining demand, excessive regulatory pressure, high taxes and a growing wage gap with neighbouring countries as factors undermining competitiveness and profitability for some 18,000 companies represented by Voka.
Provoost called for "resolute political leadership" as the country remains without a government seven months after elections.
Leadership should unite, not divide
Negotiations between the prospective 'Arizona' coalition are underway between N-VA, MR, CD&V, Les Engagés and Vooruit. N-VA leader and federal formator Bart De Wever is responsible for leading talks and has expressed hope that an agreement will be reached before the end of January.
Provoost's comments call on negotiators to put their differences aside to break the deadlock.
"Party leaders must quickly realise that political impact is measured not by the number of votes won, but by implementing policies," he said. "True political leadership unites rather than divides, and requires abandoning divisive campaign promises for a common vision and sustainable cooperation agreement."
De Wever meeting King Philippe on 10 December 2024. Credit: Belga / Jonas Roosens
Voka is calling for the next government to implement targeted spending cuts without affecting assets and avoiding tax increases. Structural reforms of the labour market and tax system are essential, according to Provoost.
"Making work more rewarding, companies more attractive and investments more appealing must go hand in hand," he said.
De Wever will meet with King Philippe on Tuesday to request what is expected to be the last deadline extension. Taxation is the topic currently under discussion and has caused the deepest divisions between right-wing and left-leaning negotiators.
