Some products are twice as expensive in Belgium as in France: journalist Benjamin Maréchal does the accounts, the Prime Minister responds

While winter has not yet set in, energy prices are rising sharply with unexpected consequences on the purchasing power of Belgians. How are they going to cushion the impact of the energy crisis? In our RTL Info Special Edition, for the first time since the start of the crisis, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo is facing Belgian citizens who are worried and hard hit. It answers their questions and fears.

Facing Prime Minister Alexander de Croo, journalist Benjamin Maréchal made a simple comparison: two identical carts filled with food and hygiene products. Benjamin Maréchal did the accounts. While the packet of pasta costs €2.69 in Belgium, it is €1.06 in France. Cereals of a well-known brand are for their part at 6.39€ in Belgium once morest 3.93€ in our neighbours. As for a pack of sanitary napkins, it costs €13.25 here compared to €8.99 in France.

How can such differences be explained? “You make a selection that is very partial. You make the same shopping cart with fruit and vegetables, it’s much cheaper in Belgium. People shop in France for certain products. If you make the average shopping cart, which contains still vegetables and fruits, there it is cheaper. So when you compare, you have to be honest”, retorts Prime Minister Alexander de Croo. The latter explains that Belgium has chosen to favor products whose packaging is recyclable. “There is the option of buying a cheaper product if you recycle and if you reuse”, justifies the Prime Minister.