The Flemish socialist party Vooruit held its election conference in Brussels on Saturday. The socialist rank and file approved the party’s list of candidates for the European elections as well as the party’s manifesto for the federal, Flemish and European elections of 9 June.
Vooruit leader Melissa Depraetere emphasised that spending power would be the topic that the Flemish socialists would be campaigning on more than any other, though health, young people, the climate, security, various groups living together in society and international solidarity were all issues that were discussed.
But it was clear that against the background of the cost-of-living crisis one theme stands out for Vooruit: spending power. "Your wallet, strengthening your purchasing power, that is essential for us, especially in difficult times," leader Melissa Depraetere said. She also cited examples of measures that Vooruit plans to take.
She talked about lower taxes on work and higher taxes on large assets. Companies should also give their employees a fair share of their profits and Vooruit wants to force companies to provide lower prices for basic services.
"The power of the big banks, insurers, energy suppliers and telecom giants to draw money out of your pockets is just far too great in Belgium," Depraetere said. "Who suffers as a result? Ordinary people. That's why Vooruit wants to take tough measures that break the power of those big players."
The Flemish socialists are part of the 8-party federal government coalition, but in opposition in the Flemish parliament.
Ms Depraetere highlighted some of her party's achievements in the federal government including lower VAT on energy and the increase in the minimum pension. She was sharp for the Flemish government: "While the federal government - with socialists - invested in your spending power and your health, there was also another government, a right-wing Flemish government that organised stagnation and regression."
The Vooruit leader stresses no savings on health care or social security can be contemplated with Vooruit in a next government
Ms Depraetere insisted the stakes in June are high: "Our prosperity is threatened by a bloc of the right and the far right, of N-VA and Vlaams Belang. It’s a bloc that cares very little about what really matters: your purchasing power, your health and your education. Together we are going to stop that right-wing bloc."