“Without publication in the Belgian Official Gazette by the end of this year, tens of thousands of people will have to pre-finance their property purchase. Many will not be able to do so,” he repeated during the debates.
Reduction of registration fees in Wallonia to 3%: “This especially favors high incomes. We need a ceiling”
Not enough to convince his adversaries who have never ceased to be surprised by the urgency invoked when part of the decree – that concerning inheritance and gift taxes – will only come into force in 2028, after the resumption of these rights by the Region. “No one was forcing you to join these two texts, except perhaps your partner,” said socialist deputy Christophe Collignon on this subject.
If they easily recognize the need for reform, PS, Ecolo and PTB have united in regretting that the text supported by the majority “misses its target” and ultimately only benefits the most well-off.
“We needed a reform of registration duties and inheritance taxes but yours is linear. However, progressiveness is extremely important in terms of tax fairness because we are not all fortunate in the same way. Your reform is unfair and misses its target”, summarized Christophe Collignon.
“Our group cannot agree with a reform which misses its target and from which the majority of the population will not benefit,” added, for Ecolo, Freddy Mockel.
As for the PTB, it affirmed that it could have approved the reform of registration fees. “The amount to acquire housing will be reduced. It’s positive, but it benefits the richest,” pointed out Germain Mugemangango. On the other hand, the aspect on inheritance taxes does not pass, “which ultimately pushes us to abstain”.
The draft decree, which the opposition tried in vain to amend, was finally adopted by 6 votes in favor and 4 abstentions. It will be examined tomorrow/Wednesday in the plenary session of the regional parliament.
