Socialist Party President Paul Magnette criticised the federal government’s first budget, describing it as “far from an Easter present.”
On Friday evening, the Arizona coalition agreed on its 2025 budget, including reforms agreed upon by majority parties and initiatives related to defence, justice, asylum, and migration.
Paul Magnette stated that the Socialist Party will scrutinise government proposals closely and offer “fairer” alternatives.
The Socialists have already condemned the planned time limit on unemployment benefits, which will be restricted to a maximum of two years starting from 1 January 2026.
Exceptions will be made for individuals training for shortage occupations before this date and permanently for healthcare professions.
Francophone Socialists fear that only a minority of long-term unemployed will find jobs, with the rest being directed to already overstretched social services.
