In his first official speech in the Federal Parliament, Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) laid out his government priorities and asked Belgians to be prepared for the difficult choices ahead.
On Tuesday afternoon, De Wever addressed federal MPs for just under half an hour. The new Federal Government is opting for savings and reforms, he stressed, adding it will be an exercise that "will take longer than one legislature."
"Raising taxes is like shearing sheep: you have to stop when you get to the skin. From the strongest shoulders, we ask for a fair contribution for people who work, but overall we are aiming for a burden reduction of €1.5 billion," De Wever said.
There will be a "solidarity contribution" in the form of a capital gains tax on shares, which he called "a fair contribution for the benefit of people who work." It also includes a more vigorous fight against tax and benefit fraud.
No savings on security
He promised that people who work will always be rewarded with €500 more than those who are inactive. "Additionally, €1 billion will go to reducing the burden on those who work for low wages."
Looking at employers, De Wever said that high energy prices are eating away at the viability of Belgian companies and threatening the purchasing power of families. "Energy-intensive companies will therefore receive a specific tax cut."
"It is also important to strengthen our energy supply with an open mind," he said. "Therefore, after 20 years, this coalition agreement finally does away with the outdated nuclear exit law."
However, there will be no cuts for security departments, De Wever stressed. "When we see the drug mafia infesting our major cities and ports. When we see the Belgian State held liable for the rape and murder of a promising young woman. When we see that our prisons are packed, sometimes with degrading consequences – the conclusion can never be that cutting security is permissible."
The press is seen taking pictures while the members of the new government pose for the official family portrait at the federal parliament, in Brussels, Tuesday 04 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
On the contrary, he said, the Federal Government will "significantly strengthen the security departments, including the judiciary, financially." Additionally, there will be zero tolerance for violence against the security forces.
De Wever also reiterated that the Brussels police zones will be merged and that additional investments in Defence are coming. "The European summit I attended about this yesterday, just after being sworn in, only strengthened the idea that this is as urgent a challenge as it is enormous."
"But as the hosting country and a founding member of NATO, it is our duty to do our part to protect Western society," he said, referring to his commitment to the trajectory of spending 2% of Belgium's GDP on Defence.
In terms of international commitments, the Federal Government does not want to abandon the climate targets either. "Every avoided tonne of CO2 emitted reduces global warming. Accelerating our climate commitment not only serves a climate goal but is also a strategic lever. The energy transition will increase our energy autonomy and make our society more resilient."
'A difficult diet'
Even though MPs had not yet received to finalised budget tables before his speech, De Wever informed that there would be €5 billion worth of new policies, and a budgetary effort of €18 billion.
"As we do not want to raise taxes, we must therefore reform and save structurally. That is why this government consists of only 14 ministers and a Prime Minister (compared to the previous 20-member cabinet), and we are cutting 30% of ministerial cabinets."
Additionally, the government is cutting party funding, halving the ceiling on retirement allowances for ex-MPs and mirroring the sick leave arrangement for MPs to that of employees.
"The government will also seek a two-thirds majority to close the chapter on an institution that no longer has a place in our current institutional reality. In other words, I call on this parliament to abolish the Senate.," he said. After that last sentence and the applause that followed, De Wever briefly looked up. "I did a quick count, and I think we will get to 100 seats."
Earlier in his speech, De Wever compared the "thorough efficiency cure" his government wants to implement to his own weight problems. "That will not be pleasant, but take it from me: a difficult diet is sometimes necessary to continue living in a healthy way."
Prime Minister Bart De Wever pictured during a plenary session of the chamber with the political declaration of the Belgian Prime Minister at the federal parliament, in Brussels, Tuesday 04 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Eric Lalmand
On top of public spending savings, the government also wants to implement a series of reforms. De Wever claims this is necessary because a declining active population faces a growing number of seniors.
"We will make unemployment benefit a real social insurance. The starting amount will be higher, but with the exception of those over 55, it will finally be limited to a maximum of two years," he said.
Additionally, a benefit standard will be introduced, meaning the wages of those who work will always rise faster than the benefits of those who do not.
Living wages and benefits will still be indexed, but no longer rise on top of the index. "We are taking these measures in the belief that people who are able to work should be encouraged to do so."
This, De Wever stressed, is not only in the interest of public finances but especially in the interest of those people themselves. "Work leads to personal and financial emancipation, a social network and meaning. That vision is shared by all parties in this government."
'Difficult mountain to climb'
Another major point of the government agreement deals with migration. "The burden of the current migration policy is too high. It exceeds what a society can absorb. To organise a more orderly and humane migration policy, it has to be much stricter."
Therefore, his government wants to make the path of family reunification narrower with stricter conditions: there will be a language and integration test in the country of origin in cooperation with the Regions, as well as stricter income conditions and a longer waiting period for people who arrive this way.
De Wever also pointed out that newcomers will now have to wait five years before they are entitled to a living wage. "For recognised refugees, the living wage will be linked to integration and activation conditions. With closed centres, we want to prevent people from disappearing into illegality. In doing so, our migration policy will always remain humane."
The Federal Parliament, in Brussels, Tuesday 04 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Dirk Waem
After he outlined all individual points, he summarised everything briefly and stressed that he realised that the road ahead "is not a walk in the park" but "an extremely difficult mountain" to climb. "But those who make the effort to make the ascent will be able to enjoy the view."
According to De Wever, the coalition agreement ties together all the government's ambitions to put public finances in order and ensure the affordability of social security. "We are also meeting our international defence and climate goals. This agreement makes work pay and strengthens the competitiveness of our companies. It will allow us to protect our citizens."
Concluded in Belgium's three official languages, he asked for the Parliament's trust in the coming years: "I ask for your confidence to work with my government team to implement this coalition agreement."
The earliest the vote on confidence can take place is 48 hours from now, on Thursday afternoon. Debates in parliament will begin on Wednesday. These are expected to continue well into the evening, or even through the night.
