Prime Minister Bart De Wever has defended the government’s summer agreement, emphasizing its goals to strengthen the economy, make work more rewarding, and ensure the sustainability of social security. Facing sharp opposition in the House Committee on Home Affairs, De Wever acknowledged that some measures may cause dissatisfaction but insisted reforms are necessary due to past inaction.
The summer agreement, reached earlier this month, has stirred intense political debate. De Wever assured that specific policies could be revised if their impact proves too harsh, particularly for vulnerable groups like women and the chronically ill.
Support from coalition parties remains firm. Leaders from multiple parties have praised the agreement’s balance between reform and investment, with the aim of safeguarding Belgium’s welfare state for future generations.
However, opposition voices labeled the agreement a giveaway to employers and criticized the lack of support for workers. Some leaders warned of public backlash in the coming months, including major demonstrations.
The agreement has yet to be finalized, as it still awaits a second reading and potential amendments. Despite the controversy, De Wever expressed commitment to economic reform while keeping the door open to modifications based on detailed impact assessments.