Belgian parties clash over jobless people at risk of losing benefits

Belgium’s Christian Democrat party CD&V is calling for urgent help for more than 10,000 unemployed people who risk losing their benefits but are seen as unable to move into work because of medical, mental, social or learning problems.

From 1 January, unemployment benefits will no longer be unlimited in time. The reform will be introduced in stages and could affect around 100,000 people. Federal Work minister David Clarinval expects one third to find a job, another third to rely on a partner’s income, and the final third to turn to local welfare support.

CD&V says this approach fails people who are “not job-ready”. MP Nahima Lanjri warns that many cannot suddenly start work and do not fit into the welfare system either. She fears they will “disappear from the radar” without proper guidance or support.

Flemish Social Economy minister Hilde Crevits has urged the federal government to create a separate status for this group, with a replacement income better suited to their situation.

Coalition partner Vooruit has reacted angrily. MP Anja Vanrobaeys says Vooruit already proposed a law to protect this group and has secured protection benefits for 3,000 people. She criticised CD&V for making public statements instead of backing existing plans.

Under the reform, people unemployed for 20 years and young people on starter benefits for more than a year will be the first to lose payments. Further cuts will follow until 2027, though some groups, such as older workers with long careers and people with recognised disabilities, are exempt.

Early data show the reforms have yet to impact long-term unemployment. The National Employment Office (NEO) reports that in November, the number of long-term unemployed (two years or more) rose by 354, or 0.3%, to 130,529. Overall, Belgium had 297,592 paid unemployed in November, up over 10,000 (3.6%) from a year earlier. Unemployment rose most sharply in Flanders (+6%).

^{Illustration photo © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}