The government is facing increasing complaints as even the SNCB refuses cash payments, leading to the Deputy Prime Minister considering a legislative initiative. He believes that the majority parties will support his proposal as it is contradictory to ask for more ATMs but not guarantee that citizens can use cash in all businesses. During a questioning session with Vanessa Matz, Reccino Van Lommel, and Gaby Colebunders, some expressed concern regarding the agreement between the government and Febelfin regarding ATM distribution. Despite their apprehension, Pierre-Yves Dermagne defended the protocol, stating that it allows for an increase in coverage rate in Wallonia. Originally, the sector’s plan aimed for 2,162 locations and 3,774 ATMs in 2025, but the protocol increased the numbers to 2,369 locations and 4,061 ATMs until at least the end of 2027.
“There was no consensus in the government. Now, the complaints are increasing. We see that even the SNCB refuses payment in cash. It therefore seems appropriate to me to come back with a legislative initiative in this area. I will return to the government soon with an initiative on this and, from what I have heard, I am convinced that it will have the support of the majority parties,” he said. “We cannot on the one hand ask for more ATMs, but then not want to guarantee that citizens can use their cash in all businesses.”
The Deputy Prime Minister was questioned by Vanessa Matz (Les Engagés), Reccino Van Lommel (Vlaams Belang) and Gaby Colebunders (PTB) regarding the agreement concluded on March 31 between the government and the financial sector federation Febelfin concerning the distribution of ATMs in the territory.
“It’s a capitulation in the open country in relation to the banks”, launched Ms. Matz, calling to audition associations such as Financité, Test-Achats or even Okra (defense of seniors). “The banks are doing as they please. This slightly modified version (of the project called ‘Batopin’, editor’s note) will only make the situation worse,” added Mr. Colebunders.
Pierre-Yves Dermagne challenged these analyses. “A marked improvement in the coverage rate compared to the situation at the end of 2021 is provided for by the protocol, particularly in Wallonia”, he defended himself. “We will go from 79.52% of the population within 5 km of a distributor by road in rural areas in 2021 to 81.99% in 2025, and this despite the drop in 2022. (…) Concretely , while the initial plan for the sector called for 2,162 locations and 3,774 ATMs in 2025, with the protocol, it is 2,369 locations and 4,061 ATMs until at least the end of 2027.
In conclusion, the debate over the distribution of ATMs and the use of cash in society continues to be a contentious issue. While some see the recent agreement between the government and the financial sector federation Febelfin as a step forward, others argue that it falls short in ensuring that citizens have access to their cash in all businesses. Deputy Prime Minister Pierre-Yves Dermagne has pledged to revisit this issue with a legislative initiative in the near future, and it remains to be seen how this will play out in the wider public debate. One thing is clear, however: with the SNCB set to join the growing list of businesses refusing payment in cash, a revolution in the way we pay for goods and services may be just around the corner.
