The Walloon government is preparing to vote on the 2025 budget this Wednesday, marked by significant savings and measures in favor of reindustrialization. A budgetary trajectory which arouses both support and controversy.
This Wednesday, the 2025 budget will be voted on in plenary session at the Walloon Parliament, in Namur. Invited by Martin Buxant in the 7h50 on bel RTL, the Walloon Minister of Economy and Employment, Pierre-Yves Jeholet detailed this budget.
With savings reaching nearly 270 million euros, Pierre-Yves Jeholet defends a budget described by some as “right-wing”. “Yes, we completely accept it“, he says.
“There are no new taxes in this budget. There are necessary savings, because Wallonia can no longer be the Mister Cash of all requests. Everyone needs to tighten their belts.“
Among the flagship measures, a reduction in registration fees and a reindustrialization project to give a “new breath“to the Walloon economy.”It is not an austerity budget, but savings are inevitable for the region“, adds the minister.
A colossal debt and worries for the future
Wallonia’s debt, estimated at 38 billion euros at the end of 2024, remains a major source of concern. Pierre-Yves Jeholet wants to be reassuring: “With our majority, we want to return to a more sustainable budgetary trajectory. It will take two legislatures, or 10 years, to achieve this balance in the federated entities..”
However, this approach does not allay all fears, particularly in large cities like Liège, Mons and Charleroi, which are struggling to balance their budgets. For the minister, these municipalities must intensify their efforts.
“They were not managed optimally. There are too many staff and lavish expenses. Small and medium-sized municipalities, which have managed their finances well, should not pay for large cities which have not made the necessary efforts..”
Adoption in committee despite opposition
Last Friday, the 2024 budget adjustment and the 2025 draft budget were adopted by the General Affairs and Budget Committee.
The majority voted in favor of the texts, while the PS abstained on the 2024 adjustment and voted against the 2025 budget. The PTB opposed both projects, and Ecolo did not participate to the vote in committee.
These decrees will be submitted to the final vote of the parliament meeting in plenary session in less than two weeks. A key moment for the economic future of the region.
wallonia budget 2025 walloon government pierre-yves jeholet social economies deficit Wallonia public debt
