Entry into office of the Flemish government: the new Minister-President Matthias Diependaele presents his “pact with the Flemish”
The coalition agreement of the new Flemish government is not a simple document or agreement, it is, according to Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele, “a vision for Flanders, a pact with the Flemish people. »
Published on 09/30/2024 at 5:01 p.m.
This pact, according to Mr. Diependaele, aims for a “prosperous and warm” Flanders which wishes to bring together “all Flemish people”. The government promises 3 billion euros in additional investments, while sticking to a balanced budget in 2027.
The coalition agreement of the new Flemish government is not just another document or agreement, it is, according to Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele, “a vision for Flanders, a pact with the Flemish”. This pact, according to Mr. Diependaele, aims for a “prosperous and warm” Flanders which wishes to bring together “all Flemish people”. The government promises 3 billion euros in additional investments, while sticking to a balanced budget in 2027.
Working together for a prosperous and warm Flanders “(the title of the coalition agreement, editor’s note) is not just a slogan, it is a promise made to every Fleming,” declared Mr. Diependaele. A prosperous Flanders is “the basis” of everything, according to the new head of government. Diependaele proposes a series of measures to achieve this, from aiming to increase the employment rate to 80 percent, supporting entrepreneurs by tackling regulations and signaling to investors that Flanders is open to business.
Flanders also promises to take its responsibilities in terms of climate and energy. “But we will not act rashly,” adds Mr. Diependaele. For example, climate decisions must always be weighed against “the carrying capacity of citizens and the competitiveness of businesses”. The relaxed renovation obligation is an example.
Budget balance in 2027 as a priority objective
The government insists on a balanced budget in 2027. “A balanced budget is the guarantee of ensuring the future of our children and grandchildren,” declared Mr. Diependaele. Despite this tight budgetary cap, the government intends to profile itself as an investment government with more than 3 billion euros in investments, a “historic amount”, says Diependaele.
A good part of these additional resources, almost 1.2 billion euros, will be devoted to social assistance in order to invest in waiting lists for people with disabilities, youth assistance, assistance to the elderly and assistance to children, among others.
To finance additional investments and measures such as reducing registration fees, the Diependaele government is counting on a mix of savings and new revenue. For example, the price of service vouchers will increase and tax deductions will be eliminated. Bonuses for electric cars will also be removed and new electric cars will have to pay road taxes.
Flemish formation: the new government has taken the oath
Mr. Diependaele’s speech was only interrupted once by applause. This was when he thanked his predecessor Jan Jambon for his leadership over the past five years. After this declaration, there was numerous applause on the benches of the N-VA, Vooruit and the CD&V.
