Flemish prime minister Matthias Diependaele (nationalist) has addressed the Flemish parliament after taking the oath of office at the royal palace in Brussels. Mr Diependaele said the new administration’s government accord was full of ambition with answers to the challenges of today: “With this team we have the opportunity to further shape the Flemish nation and lift it to new heights".
Home News
Flemish PM Diependaele promises a hard-working, fairer and more caring Flanders
Colin Clapson
Published:
New government aims at 80 per cent employment
Mr Diependaele first focused on work. ‘Work is the prerequisite for prosperity,’ he said. The new government wants ‘even more Flemish people to work’.
‘We know that there is a limited group that is hard to reach or who require a personal approach when it comes to employment. That is why we are focusing on feasible work and providing as many tools as possible to draw Flemings out of unemployment.’
‘We are also creating 1,000 extra places in the social economy,’ he continued. ‘We are reforming the employment agency VDAB so that it can focus on its core tasks: an efficient activation policy. We are pursuing policies to allow the long-term sick and non-professionals to find a proper place on the labour market.’
During this new parliament, the target is 80 per cent employment.
New choices
Mr Diependaele spoke of more prosperity, but some policies also had to be scaled back.
‘We are ending the job bonus. We are making things fairer. Cleaners deserve better remuneration. That is why we are raising the price of service cheques. Deducting the outlay from your tax bill will end. Grants for electric cars will be scrapped and road tax for e-cars will be introduced. Foreign vehicles wll also have to pay to drive on our roads.’
Mr Diependaele also pledged greater services for the elderly allowing them to stay living at home longer. Greater family care will be provided. Issues like the mental health of elderly people and loneliness will be addressed by caring neighbourhood services and volunteer organisations.
World class culture
The PM also spoke of his cultural ambitions: ‘I think we sometimes realise too little how proud we may be of Flanders‘ enormous cultural and creative potential. That is why this government will ensure our cultural temples are in top shape. Our artists, authors, musicians, dancers and theatre producers are among the world's best.’