Belgian PM: protecting purchasing power "major focus of government in coming weeks"

The federal government of Belgium will take measures in the coming weeks to protect the purchasing power of citizens, and at the same time safeguard companies, according to a statement of Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in the Chamber of Representatives on Thursday afternoon. He assured that there will not be an index jump. 

The Prime Minister, together with Minister of Work and Economy Pierre-Yves Dermagne, was questioned Thursday afternoon in the Chamber about the the sharp rise of consumer prices. Employers' organisation Voka argued earlier this week for an index jump or a delayed adaptation of wages to the increased cost of living in order to protect companies from high labour costs. 

An index jump is not on the table, the Prime Minister assured. "The index is a crucial tool for purchasing power, and I don't think there is anyone in government today who questions that." What will be needed, he said, are measures to protect the purchasing power of the middle class and the business community. That, according to De Croo, will be the government's main focus in the coming weeks. "We will take the necessary measures. Just as we helped and reassured people in the COVID-crisis, we will do the same now."

© BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM