The Walloon Parliament engaged today in robust debates over the Regional Policy Declaration (DPR) – which sets the course for the next government in Belgium's southern region. At the heart of discussions were the budget, climate change and taxation.
Critiques and concerns about the statement were raised predominantly by all members of the opposition, but the MR-Les Engagés majority presented the document as a "beacon of hope" for the citizens.
De Bue went on to discuss the budget for 2025. "This will be a pivotal democratic moment. We will debate the exact fiscal impact of our measures. We will start to see the results of our first initiatives and establish a long-term vision. However, the fiscal trajectory towards 2029 is clear, with the deficit expected to reduce by nearly €900 million".
Galvanising her constituents, she expressed: "A tangible hope was born on the 9th of June, and it's our responsibility to make that hope a reality. Wallonia needs reform to make the lives of our citizens simpler and reengage them with the political world."
Jean-Paul Bastin, the leader of Les Engagés, shared De Bue's optimism. "Our challenges are considerable, and our finances strained. But I see opportunities in every threat. This mandate is one of reform, a clear message from our voters. We are determined to bring hope and execute changes that our Walloon citizens long for."
Acknowledging the financial realities, Bastin said, "We are forced to do things differently. This calls for greater innovation and there should be no taboos when making decisions."
Austerity
From the opposition, Socialist Party (PS) spokesperson Christie Morreale voiced concerns about "uncertainty and austerity" in the new policy. Taking a plainspoken approach, Morreale commented: "We expect a DPR to offer opportunities, with clear plans and funding. Many of these qualities are lacking in your project."
PS Christie Morreale pictured during a plenary session of the Walloon Parliament in Namur, Wednesday 17 July 2024. Credit: Belga / Bruno Fahy
She continued, questioning the policy's financial trajectory. The socialist rep stated that approximately €2.5 billion, from a budget of €21 billion, need to be sourced by 2029 to fulfill majority promises.
"How? Your policy doesn't elaborate, and your party leaders aren't forthcoming. How can anyone believe a €2.5 billion hole can be filled without introducing new taxes or cutting government positions?" Morreale critically analysed.
"Your DPR, shrouded in uncertainty, is creating a great deal of concern," the socialist group leader summarised. Worries include the tax autonomy funding, return-to-work plans for long-term sick, precarious work situations, regional public service agent status changes, inadequate housing targets, neglected environmental concerns and a range of other issues.
"You promise much… although mostly to a select few while the majority gets very little. These promises hinge on finding €2.5 billion by the term's end. That amounts to €1,540 annually for each Walloon household, clearly it's the citizens who will pay," underlined Morreale.
Morreale concluded her discourse by warning that the harsh reality of their policy, which they currently obfuscate with vagueness, will soon become evident.
'Denial of climate change'
On Wednesday, the Ecolo party criticised the Walloon Government from the opposition benches, condemning their denial of climate change and the budgetary ambiguity surrounding the Regional Policy Declaration (DPR).
"Let’s be clear from the start, there are many concerns," stated Stéphane Hazée, leader of the Greens at the Walloon parliament. He pledged that the Ecolo group would attempt to use its influence constructively as a force of proposal, vigilance, and even resistance against the governing coalition, all for the good of Wallonia.
The major concern, he added during the DPR debates, is the government’s apparent dismissal of the pressing issues of climate change and biodiversity loss, the existential threat it presents, and the urgent, increasing action required.
Ecolo's Stephane Hazee takes the oath at the first plenary session of the Walloon parliament in Namur, after the elections of June 9th, Tuesday 25 June 2024. Credit: Belga / John Thys
Accusing the two presiding members of lack of honesty, Hazée argued that environmental concerns are unfairly marginalised in the Walloon Government’s agenda. "This is irresponsibly ignoring impacts on citizens, it will increase the environmental debt and cost even more," he warned, specifically lamenting the announced revision of the Air-Climate-Energy Plan.
In addition, Hazée pointed out the ‘thick financial fog’ hiding undisclosed fiscal decisions that amount to a resurgence of austerity measures. "We fear this will damage essential services for the community and instigate social decay throughout several municipalities or non-profit sectors, places that perform miracles with scarce resources and lack stable funding,” he elaborated.
Hazée also expressed worry over employment precariousness, stating: "We still need to improve unemployment support and even more so, skill-enhancement programs." The dissatisfaction and sense of injustice are substantially amplified, he declared, by the proposed tax cuts that seem profoundly unfair.
Nonetheless, the Ecolo leader acknowledged some positive measures being taken, such as stronger preventive healthcare efforts, reduction of bureaucratic hindrances, and the creation of accommodation for disabled individuals.
Burden will fall on workers, says PTB
For PTB, "the promise that Walloons will pay no extra taxes is pure fiction; it's an illusion designed to deceive," stated PTB parliamentary leader, Germain Mugemangango, during Wednesday's debates.
"In your statement regarding the budget, there are no figures. Why are they hidden? Where are the budget charts? We need those numbers, Mr Dolimont," he argued.
PTB's Mugemangango. Credit: Belga
PTB MP Julien Liradelfo followed up, stating: "Your poetic creativity seeks to hide a harsh truth: you're implementing an austerity policy. "Old strategies eventually lead to the same outcome - workers end up footing the bill, while ministers' salaries remain untouched," he added.
Mugemangango continued, accusing the government of planning to slash employment aid, TEC and RTBF budgets, as well as associational and Forem funding.
"In reality, this administration will make workers pay in numerous ways, through planned privatisations and potential tariff increases, while launching an attack on public services," warned the PTB leader. He concluded, vowing that his party will stand with "those left to pick up the pieces from this strategy."
