Belgium’s core cabinet is to meet for the first time on Friday to discuss the capital gains tax, but a swift agreement is not anticipated due to a host of unresolved issues. The idea is to have an initial exchange of ideas and reach an agreement by summer.
On Wednesday night, the federal government reached agreement on the second reading of a programme law that includes the first series of reforms it aims to implement, such as the phased introduction of time-limited unemployment benefits.
The ministers have little time to catch their breath, as the preparation of the 2026 budget is approaching.
Prime Minister hopes for an agreement by Summer on sensitive issues
Other significant reforms, including pensions, are also planned, and decisions need to be made on the capital gains tax, a sensitive issue within the Arizona government, with the left-wing Vooruit party and right-wing Mouvement Réformateur (MR) on opposing sides.
"I'm hoping for an agreement by this summer," Prime Minister Bart De Wever said on a VRT's 'Villa Politica' programme, broadcast on Thursday. Banks need time to prepare for the new tax which, they have already indicated, presents them with challenges.
Although no agreement has yet been reached, the programme law needs to be voted on in the coming weeks, according to the majority. However, the approval of a decree regarding the introduction of the time limit on unemployment benefits will depend on negotiations on the capital gains tax.
'Polls should not be our compass' - Bart De Wever
At a parliamentary question-and-answer session on Thursday, De Wever addressed a recent poll commissioned by VRT Nieuws, De Standaard, and RTBF, which showed broad support for the government's planned reforms, following questions from N-VA legislator Eva Demesmaeker and CD&V parliamentarian Steven Matheï.
"I think polls should not be our compass, nor should we aim for applause as a measure of political action," said De Wever.
"Those who are led by polls or applause may be well-suited for politics - many here are - but perhaps not for governing a country," he added, citing inspiration from the 18th-century conservative philosopher and politician Edmund Burke. For De Wever, it is crucial for the government to "try to stay on course."
Fair distribution of burdens needs - CD&V
CD&V parliamentarian Matheï reiterated his call for fair distribution of burdens, inquiring how De Wever would ensure that those with the broadest shoulders bear the most substantial burdens, as the Flemish public desires, according to the poll.
"I think we must continue to work hard so that the policy's social justice is truly valued by everyone, both in terms of content and perception," De Wever responded. "It's about implementing the coalition agreement, persevering, and not getting distracted by the various comments we hear each week."
