“Citizen participation is our priority”
What do you want to change?
In the Parliament’s agenda, there are several new features: an objective to participate in the simplification of legislation, decrees… which would be considered obsolete, but also an evaluation of policies. We have not sufficiently evaluated the policies implemented. We will also develop the White Paper approach, bringing together all the stakeholders, experts and different levels of power around an issue, in order to define a direction for public action in a specific area. We draw inspiration from what is done at the European level. Finally, we will activate one or more popular consultations.
Petitions, too?
We also have a petition mechanism that has developed. More than 280 have been tabled in Parliament. 33 were signed by more than 1,000 people and pleaded in Parliament by the first authors of these texts. I also remind citizens that this approach is possible. There are also joint commissions, made up of citizens and deputies.
In Marche… were the municipal elections a disappointment?
Overall, the municipal and provincial elections were a success for the MR. In Marche, our list progressed by one seat, after having already progressed by 3 seats in 2018. We are the only formation to have progressed in Marche. However, this is insufficient.
Do you believe, with the limited resources, that the new government will be able to turn Wallonia around?
Personally, I think that there is a positive dynamic, after 100 days: the adoption by the government and the presentation of the budget with an ambitious trajectory, the announcement that there are no new taxes and the shock of administrative simplification…
Any advice to give to your young minister-president?
Adrien has taken to his role well. He has the shoulders to carry out this function successfully.
Could you have been minister-president yourself?
(He smiles) I already have been.
“Parliamentarians must also participate in long-term thinking”
Today, how can we ensure that MPs are not just seen as button presses?
“Parliamentarians must also participate in long-term thinking, by looking at texts that they would like to table outside of government action. It’s essential. Parliamentarians, since the start of Parliament’s action, have been very active: 438 oral questions and 66 current or urgent questions, 319 written questions deemed admissible… Parliamentarians therefore control the government’s action well. »
You who were the First of the Walloons and who are today the President of Parliament, which one is the most difficult?
“I was minister-president in a very narrow majority. If I make the comparison between the two functions, the minister-presidency is more a function in management, immediacy… In Parliament, the function is more to monitor parliamentary work but also to bring together points of view and to listen to citizens and political groups. »
Can a President of Parliament no longer say anything?
“I am not saying that he is voiceless or politically asexual, but I must have a duty of reserve in relation to the immediacy of the political debate. »
Can Parliament also be visited by citizens?
“Schools and families can visit Parliament. We have a One Day in Parliament program, during which we host classes, for example. I want Parliament to be open to the population, who can watch the debates live in the chamber or virtually on YouTube. I tell people: This parliament is yours and when I have the opportunity, I welcome you. I want Parliament to be modern and transparent. This corresponds to the expectations of the citizen. »
A word about your international duty as president?
“I wanted to receive the ambassador of Germany, but also of France, the Netherlands, the USA, the countries which preside over the European Union. I wanted to dialogue with our neighbors, our partners. We must strengthen our relations with the Länder and neighboring regions. We have considerable work with our immediate neighbors. From January 1, we will preside over the Greater Region (Northern France, two German Länder, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Wallonia, etc.). There are opportunities to build together. Territorial development goes beyond borders. »
