Belgium wants to fight ‘debt industry’ in 2023

Belgian Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne (Open Vld), said that tackling the "debt industry" will be a priority for him in the new year, he told the press on Friday. The minister outlined three pieces of legislation to fight against aggressive debt collectors and predatory loans.

Van Quickenborne wants to make bailiffs more affordable, make the structure of their fees more transparent, and prevent those in debt from undergoing attempted debt collections when they are in mediation with creditors.

“The objective is to distinguish between people who do not want to pay and those who cannot pay,” said the minister. “For the former, we need to be stricter, for the latter, we need to provide assistance.”

The National Chamber of Judicial Officers has confirmed that talks concerning a reform to Belgium’s debt laws are in progress. According to the officials, negotiations are ongoing and constructive.

^{Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne pictured during a press conference after the Minister's council meeting of the Federal Government, in Brussels, Friday 23 December 2022. © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}