PM continues to oppose measures against high energy prices
Prime minister Bart De Wever continues to oppose swift measures in response to rising energy prices as a result of the war in the Middle East. He prefers to wait and see what the “toolbox” proposed by the European Commission will entail.
Virtually all parties are urging the federal government to take measures to bring down the high energy prices. De Wever's coalition partners also want action to be taken. MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez has warned there could be consequences for other issues if no measures are taken. His party previously proposed a fiscal mechanism whereby fuel excise duties fall when prices at the pump exceed a certain ceiling.
Bouchez said he understood that De Wever, of N-VA, did not want to "open Pandora’s box", whereby a single energy measure would lead to questions from all sectors and groups. “But the Flemish parties must not be blind to the socio-economic differences in this country,” he said. “In Wallonia, there are more low-wage workers and fewer people with company cars.”
A frequent argument is that the profits the government makes from high energy prices should be returned to the people. The prime minister dismissed that argument.
“The state does not profit from higher energy prices. The state is losing out on this, and not just a little,” he said. Bills are becoming more expensive for the government too, inflation is rising and interest on the debt is skyrocketing. According to De Wever, the “small additional revenue” from VAT does not outweigh these costs.
The prime minister also cited various experts – such as the governor of the National Bank – who argue that it is not a good idea to take measures that stimulate demand. He remains firm in his intention to wait until an agreement is reached at the European level on a targeted and temporary toolbox of energy measures.
MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez and prime minister Bart De Wever © BELGA PHOTO EMILE WINDAL
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