The opposition party Groen and Open VLD have called for an urgent parliamentary debate on Monday following a VRT report revealing that a 2018 Defence purchase of armoured vehicles will cost ten times more than initially predicted.
The ecologists demand that military officials promptly address parliament. "As we stand on the brink of a significant investment in defence, it's critical to prevent further financial waste. The billions now planned by the government must be spent judiciously," argue the Greens.
Open VLD also seeks a parliamentary debate and requests that all Defence Committee parliamentarians have access to the confidential Court of Audit report.
"At a time when additional billions are needed to meet NATO's investment requirements, the scale of this cost overrun is utterly absurd. Parliament must fulfil its oversight role," the Flemish Liberals assert.
The contract, approved in 2018 under the Michel government, initially quoted a cost of €1.5 billion for over 400 armoured vehicles. In reality, the total cost, including acquisition, maintenance, and operation, is expected to reach €14.4 billion, according to a damning report on the Defence procurement service.
The report highlights a failure to adequately anticipate costs related to building new garages in various barracks, as well as maintenance and ammunition expenses.
