Opposition deputies accuse the government of enriching itself thanks to the rise in prices observed at the pump in recent days. “This situation does not increase state revenues, on the contrary, they will decrease. To say that this crisis creates budgetary leeway allowing money to be launched from a helicopter is not correct. Our budget is more like a submarine and it is not recommended to open the doors of a submarine before it arrives at the surface.”defends Bart De Wever who calls for “bring a little realism into this debate“.
Energy crisis: power is not flowing through Arizona
Divide the majority
However, within Arizona, not everyone sees it that way. The French-speaking wing of Arizona is asking for the reverse ratchet measure to be implemented – a mechanism which provides, in the event of a certain price threshold being exceeded, a reduction in excise duties. MR and Engagés are pleading for the establishment of this mechanism.”Preventing excess profits in the energy sector seems essential to usestimates Marc Lejeune (Les Engagés). We cannot accept such an escalation without reacting.”
On the liberal side, Georges-Louis Bouchez is not giving up: he still intends to obtain measures to relieve citizens’ energy bills. “The MR intends to defend its measures with determination at the government table.”at-il affirmé en séance plénière ce jeudi. Bart De Wever se réfère à l’échelon européen. “The European Commission will soon propose a toolbox of targeted and temporary measures from which we can draw.” he adds.
The opposition is also calling for measures to deal with this energy crisis. “For five weeks people have been worried when they fill up at the pump, what are you waiting for?”a déclaré Patrick Prévot (PS). “And you say you’re not going to do anything.”a déploré Sofie Merckx (PTB).
Energy supply
In addition to the price at the pump, the rise in energy prices following the war in the Middle East and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz – one of the key crossing points for world oil – is relaunching the debate on Belgium’s energy supply. This Wednesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés), warned of the “major risk“of a supply disruption in Belgium. The latter called for “behavioral changes” to reduce consumption.
Energy prices: the MR and Les Engagés demand the introduction of the “reverse ratchet” on fuels
In plenary session this Thursday, the Prime Minister said he was open to emergency measures, but only for “control prices structurally“, for example, thanks to the development of nuclear power. “We are working on it with the Minister of Energy,” a-t-il précisé.
