2023-10-15 17:13:52
Questioned by Belga, the Brussels Minister of Finance and Budget, Sven Gatz announced that the agreement provided for some 200 million euros in savings. It had been in the air since the summer: the minister confirmed that the draft budget provided for 3% savings on personnel costs. But that’s not all, the operating costs of the regional administration will be reduced by 5%, optional subsidies by 8% and investments by 10%. Still according to Sven Gatz, the deficit will be reduced by 150 million euros compared to 2023.
Another feature of the project: certain provisions planned for 2023 will be withdrawn for 2024, in particular those linked to the impact of the energy crisis. There are also irreducible factors such as the predictable indexation of civil servants’ salaries and rising interest rates.
The Minister of Finance also underlined that a debt ceiling not to be exceeded had been taken into account so that it might demonstrate the seriousness of the management of the Region, in the eyes of external observers such as the rating agency. Standard&Poor.
“The negotiation was tough, especially on Saturday“, conceded Minister Gatz, “but we were able to find the composure necessary to succeed“, he commented. “The Region and the Common Community Commission are giving themselves the means to pursue their environmental and social policies: mobility, housing, employment, health… Faced with a complicated budgetary situation following the crises, we are adopting a responsible budget“, commented Minister-President Rudi Vervoort.
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