The budget debate centers on a clash between a pro-work, tax-raising reform and an opposition warning of broader societal impact on the middle class, pensioners, and the sick.

The governing team led by Bart De Wever’s N-VA aims to raise 9.2 billion euros by 2029, via VAT and excise tax increases on items like domestic gas, take-away meals, and sports and entertainment subscriptions, plus caps on salary and pension indexation and social benefits.

Opposition figures such as Meyrem Almaci, Pierre-Yves Dermagne, Vincent Van Quickenborne, and Alexia Bertrand frame the policy as tax-heavy and harmful to the middle class, chanting that the government taxes, taxes, taxes.

The N-VA argues the measures reward workers and brands the reform as the end of the ‘profitariat,’ stressing work-income-focused tax reform, though most effects extend to 2030.

The controversy centers on a perception of heavy taxation with limited relief for workers, with a light-hearted aside about rising frites prices illustrating everyday policy impact.

The Belgian Chamber began debating the government’s address, with prolonged discussions occurring two days after an internal budget agreement within the government.

Parliamentary session is portrayed as lively political theater around the budget agreement and tax policy, highlighting clashes among parties and personalities.

Key players and moments include De Wever observing from the rostrum, Pas accusing N-VA of betraying Flemish interests, Ronse delivering long remarks, and exchanges between Kim De Witte and Frank Vandenbroucke over pension indexation losses.

Questions arise about concrete benefits for workers, with critics arguing gains are uncertain and skewed toward multinational firms and wealthier segments.

The government pursues 9.2 billion euros in budget consolidation by 2029, drawing opposition focus on tax hikes and the impact on the middle class, including VAT on certain goods, caps on indexation, and higher energy and fuel taxes.

Opposition leaders argue the burden falls on the middle class and working people, with PS leaders saying the budget targets the middle class, the poor, and pensioners, while the PTB notes the entire working class will pay.

Context notes reference related pieces on the budget’s concrete effects and reactions from Belgian political figures, including Bart De Wever and responses from the PS, Vlaams Belang, and PTB.