If it depends on Open VLD, the federal government will have to be “less generous” with temporary energy support after March 31. That is what Vice-President Jasper Pillen of the Flemish Liberals says in De Zondag. He immediately also warns MR chairman Georges-Louis Bouchez that he “will have to learn to work together.”
Our country’s budget looks far from rosy. Yet Pillen, whose party provides the prime minister, refuses to speak of bad policy. In it, he defends the support that Vivaldi has given to help families and companies through the energy crisis. “We have spent no less than ten billion euros on energy support. It is good that we have done that.”
But now, according to Pillen, the time has come for the government to spend less. “The government has indeed spent a lot of money. That must stop,” it says. “You cannot continue to spend money without reforming. That also counts for the temporary energy measures that expire on April 1. We will also have to be less generous there.”
As is known, these reforms look at, among other things, tax reform, pensions and the labor market. Pillen certainly believes that the government can still take steps. “Things are moving within the government. And if we don’t do it, the European Commission will force us. Or it will touch our money.”
Bouchez
As far as tax reform is concerned, according to the liberal, it cannot be the intention to compensate for a reduction in taxes by taking money from companies or from benefits in kind for employees in the private sector. “We’re not going to allow that.” He himself sees room to save on government spending.
He also speaks warning language to MR chairman Bouchez. “All other parties, including N-VA, no longer want to work with him. Georges-Louis must realize that. He has blown up all bridges. Only the bridge to my party is still standing. We want the liberal keeping family together. But then Georges-Louis will finally have to learn to work together. Otherwise it won’t work.”
He cites the example of extending the life of a number of nuclear power plants. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Minister of Energy Tinne Van der Straeten are negotiating this with operator Engie. “It is logical that he (De Croo, ed.) Holds the cards close to his chest. That serves as an example. Constant firing like Bouchez does, does not help our cause.”
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