Valerie Van Peel, the newly appointed chairperson of the N-VA, is confident the federal government will reach an agreement on the capital gains tax but urges her fellow party leaders to refrain from making excessive vetoes or strong declarations in the press, as she stated on Sunday on De Zevende Dag.
Earlier this week, the plans of Finance Minister Jan Jambon (N-VA) regarding the capital gains tax were leaked in De Tijd, highlighting a proposed exemption for those holding shares for ten years or longer, which is opposed by CD&V and Vooruit.
In interviews, Conner Rousseau, the Vooruit leader, emphasised the importance of respecting the coalition agreement, warning that everyone must contribute and that the capital gains tax is essential, implying the government could collapse if the principle is abandoned.
Van Peel insists the capital gains tax will “definitely” be introduced, noting that her party agrees the “strongest shoulders should carry the burden” while protecting the middle class as much as possible. She believes the specifics of the tax are the responsibility of the government.
Rousseau’s warnings of a government collapse reflect “unnecessary nervousness,” according to Van Peel, who advises against making vetoes or grand declarations to the press, echoing lessons from the previous government.
Van Peel also addressed CD&V chairman Sammy Mahdi’s call for Belgium to recognise the Palestinian state, urging focus on diplomatic solutions rather than bold statements, aligning with the government’s stance on a negotiated two-state solution.
