MR media offensive to lower fuel taxes
Yes, for several days, the MR has launched a media offensive to defend the reduction in fuel taxes via the reverse ratchet. A general intervention, therefore, to lower prices, accompanied by a vague threat. “Without reaction, the MR will no longer be able to act as if nothing had happened and will have to act accordingly“Â said the party press release.
A threatening message, therefore, as Bart De Wever shows reluctance to measures which would have too significant an impact on the budget. Within the executive, other parties have already called for state intervention. Vooruit also argued for the reverse ratchet and Les Engagés had mentioned the idea of blocking gas prices at a certain threshold.
No means for Belgium according to De Wever and Pierre Wunsch
Problem: all these measures cost the state dearly, and the state is in a very complicated situation. Bart De Wever keeps repeating it: the government does not have the means to intervene as it did during the last crisis energetic. He found great support. Yesterday, the governor of the National Bank, Pierre Wunsch, although labeled MR, also opposed interventions on prices. “That would add fuel to the fire“, he says, aggravate the public deficit and slow down the transition. We must instead, according to him, take measures to consume less, such as teleworking, or carpooling. He did not speak of sobriety, but that is what it is about. A political taboo for the moment. Pierre Wunsch draws up Furthermore, an alarming picture if, as expected, the war in Iran leads to a global economic crisis. Low growth and inflation would weigh (even more) heavily on public finances.
Possible agreement within the Arizona government?
Behind the MR’s threats, there is a campaign positioning. To reach public opinion, you have to shout louder than the others. It doesn’t eat easy, especially since the threats are vague. But there are still avenues that could lead to an agreement with Bart De Wever.
The famous reverse ratchet provides, on paper, for tax cuts, but also to recover the shortfall for the state later, when prices fall – if they ever fall. In this case, the budgetary impact could be more limited. There is therefore room for discussion.
There is another possible margin, but this one risks stinging: mentioned yesterday by Pierre Wunsch, governor of the National Bank. He points out a problem with recipes, which are, “weaker than they have been in years“. In particular, the numerous tax loopholes in Belgium. Nothing new, but this little reminder: Belgium does not only have a problem of spending, but also of revenue. This will not fail to fuel the discussion within the government.
