The municipal council of Ixelles approved the 2025 budget and its policy statement on Thursday evening.
The majority coalition, consisting of MR, PS, and Les Engagés/Objectif XL, supported both documents, while opposition parties Ecolo-Groen and PTB criticised them as "outdated" and "ideological".
Mayor Romain De Reusme (PS) defended the proposals, describing them as a "coherent and pragmatic project" focused on fiscal stability, housing, security, and cleanliness. "This is not a catalogue of ideas, but a structured management plan," he said.
The opposition voiced strong criticism. Aline Lacroix from Ecolo-Groen argued that the policy statement prioritises "cars, parking, and fiscal peace" while relegating "climate issues to the background". Margot Antoine from PTB criticised "the absence of structural measures."
The budget allocates €244 million for regular expenses in 2025 without any tax increases. Additionally, €51 million is earmarked for a triennial investment plan, which includes investments in a new nursery, a new sports hall, and energy-efficient renovations of public buildings.
