A statutory congress adopted several important changes, in particular parity between women and men in all party bodies and openness to supporters. “Many of our fellow citizens are socialists but do not know it yet”, underlined the president Paul Magnette in front of the militants gathered in Braine-l’Alleud.
“Today, commitment is a more personal act. Taking a notebook is no longer automatic, it’s a process that can take time. It would be wrong not to welcome all those who share our values ( …) We therefore open the doors of the party to all these traveling companions”, he explained before calling on the local sections and federations to warmly welcome these sympathizers who, according to him, will quickly become militants.
In October 2020, the PS returned to power at the federal level, six years following having been excluded by the advent of the “Swedish” coalition. The president of the French-speaking socialists listed the differences which, in his view, reflect the presence of his party in the Vivaldi government: VAT on electricity at 6%, reinvestment in health care, revaluation of the minimum pension, etc.
“With the Socialists, the heart is back,” said Mr. Magnette.
Calls for measures to combat soaring energy prices have been increasing for several days. The PS repeated on Sunday its demands for a reduction to 6% of the VAT on gas, an extension of the social tariff and immediate measures to reduce the price of fuel at the pump. “Sundays without a car and reducing speed on the highways as proposed by environmentalists is very nice, but it will not help those who have to refuel to go to work”, underlined Mr. Magnette.