Belgian Budget Minister favors 7 billion euro effort with long-term measures

Belgian Budget Minister Vincent Van Peteghem is advocating for a 7 billion euro budget consolidation, prioritizing long-term structural measures over what he terms "cosmetic measures" with only short-term impact. His stance was made clear during a recent meeting of the Chamber of Representatives' finance committee.

Van Peteghem, a member of the Christian Democratic Party (CD&V), expressed his preference for a more substantial, yet sustainable, fiscal effort. This approach aims to address the country's financial health through reforms that yield lasting benefits, rather than relying on superficial adjustments that might offer temporary relief but fail to tackle underlying issues.

The minister's comments signal a potential direction for Belgium's fiscal policy, emphasizing prudence and foresight in managing public finances. The focus on long-term solutions suggests a strategy to ensure economic stability and growth for the future, moving beyond immediate political considerations.

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We must realize a budget effort of 7 billion euros including structural measures of long term rather than carrying out a larger effort with cosmetic measures in the short term.