LOOK. Van Peteghem defends new government bonds: “Bertrand does not want this to be a success” | Domestic

Earlier this week it was announced that the Debt Agency will issue two new government bonds on March 4, one for 1 year and one for 3 years. The income from the government voucher is not exempt from tax, the so-called withholding tax applies to it. Normally a rate of 30 percent applies, but to make the government bond with a term of 1 year more attractive for private individuals, the agency recommends a reduced rate of 15 percent withholding tax.

However, State Secretary for Budget Alexia Bertrand (Open Vld) gave negative advice.

According to Van Peteghem, there are two reasons why new government bonds are being introduced. Firstly, the Debt Agency explicitly requested it because it is a cheap way to finance itself. “If we don’t do it this way, it will cost the treasury 54 million euros,” the minister said.

Van Peteghem also wants to stimulate competition with the banks. “After all, we see that today they still only offer one to one and a half percent interest on the traditional savings account.”

But the 15 percent withholding tax may not be introduced. And according to Van Peteghem, that would be “irresponsible”. “All economists say it is a good thing for the budget and for savers,” he emphasizes. “And I am on the side of the saver.”

According to Van Peteghem, Bertrand has given negative advice because she “does not want the government bonds to be a success”. “A lot of accusations have come to me from the liberals and Mrs Bertrand, I can live with that. But if you ridicule the Debt Agency, I can’t stand that,” he said. “We are not moving forward with these kinds of political games,” the minister concludes.