Negotiations on the renewal of a cashier contract between the Walloon Region and Belfius are “technical and not political”. Walloon Budget Minister Adrien Dolimont (MR) said this on Monday in the competent parliamentary committee. He received questions about the subject from several majority and opposition MPs.
Much ink has been spilled over the contract in recent days. Belfius wants to extend the cashier’s contact, which is normally extended for several years, this time for a maximum of two years, until 2024. As a house banker, the bank does not have a good eye for the financial situation of Wallonia and the advance of the extreme left party PVDA.
It is no coincidence that the extension would only last until 2024. The bank could thus estimate how the next government can eliminate the rising debt ratio in the region.
Walloon minister Dolimont emphasized on Monday that the discussions are confidential, but reminded that it is not a new contract. As for the state of Walloon public finances, “we know the situation,” said Dolimont. “There is a strategy, which means that structural and additional savings must be made at a rate of 150 million per budget year. That strategy was applied in 2022 and will also be applied in 2023 and 2024.
“I understand that people are concerned about Wallonia’s financial situation. That situation is the result of the crises of recent years. Nevertheless, we have a determined course. We have the resources and there are margins in the budget to do something about it. situation,” the minister concluded.
Wallonia is heading for a public debt of 50 billion euros by 2030. The state bank runs a considerable financial risk because it has provided many loans to the Walloon Region.
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