Belgium celebrates 80 years of social security
Belgium celebrated the 80th anniversary of its social security system on Saturday. In the city of Bruges, socialists warned against future governments eroding the country's comprehensive system, which is funded by a share of all workers' gross pay.
The celebration took place in Achiel Van Acker Square, named after the former socialist prime minister who was one of the architects of the social pact between trade unions and employers.
The current structure of Belgian social security dates back to a law of 28 December 1944. On Saturday, Pascal Ennaert of the Flemish socialist party Vooruit stressed the historic value of the 1944 pact.
"Just go outside Europe and tell people what social security offers. Chances are they will not believe that our health care is both accessible and affordable and of the highest quality," said Ennaert.
Right-wing recipes
During the Second World War, Van Acker initiated the negotiation of a social pact that would eventually form the basis of a new law, exactly 80 years ago. To mark the anniversary, the trade union ABVV, the health insurance fund Solidaris and Vooruit organised a celebration at a bust of Van Acker.
Miranda Ulens, general secretary of the ABVV, referred to the ongoing government negotiations and warned against right-wing recipes that would undermine Belgian social security. Ulens said it was important to take more account of single-parent families, singles and people in precarious situations.
Fair and inclusive
A fair distribution of efforts was also raised by several speakers. "The weakest in society should not once again have to bear most of the costs," said Solidaris president Lieven Meert. "The distribution of austerity efforts must be fair and inclusive".
Meert also stressed the importance of affordable, accessible and high-quality healthcare. "We will not accept cuts at the expense of people who are sick or unable to work," he said.
Former Belgian prime minister Achille Van Acker (second from left) during a national tribute to him in Bruges in 1957 © BELGA PHOTO ARCHIVES
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