According to Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open Vld), the governments will make clear tomorrow what the exact plans are. Among other things, it will be discussed how the federal government itself can set a good example to save energy, for example by not setting the air conditioning in public buildings below 24 degrees. In addition, the extension of the social rate will be discussed, as well as that of the lower VAT on gas and electricity. Furthermore, the tax on the excess profits of energy companies is on the table.
Minister Vandenbroucke is in favor of a permanent reduction in VAT. There is also a need for tax reform, he said. “In the long term, you have to deal with taxes in a different way. We have a word for that: tax shift,” says Vandenbroucke.
The minister also wants to increase the role of the banks. “We need to talk to the banks about what they can do to help people and companies who are struggling financially,” it said.