The president of the umbrella organisation of the Christian labour movement Beweging.net has said the Federal Government should not allow any exemptions when it planned capital gains tax is introduced. The outgoing president of Beweging.net Peter Wouters (photo) said in a speech made on Wednesday evening to mark Rerum Novarum that a minister that introduces a system of capital gains tax should “be proud” of doing so. Traditionally commemorated on Ascencion Day, Rerum Novarum is the day in which the Christian labour movement celebrates its “Labour Day”.
Christian labour movement calls for no exemptions to capital gains tax and for a boycott of products from Israel
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During his speech Peter Wouters warned that “The social unrest of recent months will continue. As you can see, we are still a long way from an acceptable balance in our society with regard to those that are obliged to contribute to reducing public debt and those that are spared.”
"You ask yourself why ordinary people are now taking to the streets? Hundreds of millions of euro are being cut from the lowest wages and benefits and nobody cares about the protests. Conversely, it seems those that lobby for the rich have a seat at the negotiating table. This is what's making people angry.”
Capital gains tax to redress the balance
Mr Wouters is mainly counting on capital gains tax to redress the balance. However, he stresses that there must be no loopholes or exemptions. "Why does it seem the first question that is being asked with regard to about capital gains tax seem to be how to avoid paying it. Since Minister Jambon’s plans were announced it has become clear that this government's real concern is to find ways for certain groups to avoid paying it."
"The aim of capital gains tax is to make income accrued from capital contribute to society, just as income from labour. No minister should be ashamed of capital gains tax, they should be proud of it."
Mr Wouters also calls for subsidies to businesses to looked at as part of the cost-cutting measures.
Boycott of Israeli products
Peter Wouters also used his Rerum Novarum speech to address the situation in Gaza. He called for a boycott of Israel.
"We must not wait for Europe or others. I appeal to Comeos, Unizo, Voka (employers’ federations), also to the Belgian diamond industry and to each of you, as citizens to from now on stop buying products from Israel."
This was Peter Wouters’ last Rerum Novarum speech as president of Beweging.net. After 8 years at the helm, Mr Wouters will step down on 14 June. His successor is Julie Hendrickx Devos.