Belgians are becoming increasingly pessimistic about the economic situation in the country, according to an extensive survey commissioned by RTBF and VRT from the University of Antwerp and the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). Almost seven in 10 Belgians believe that the state of the Belgian economy has deteriorated over the past 12 months, the study found. Economic pessimism is particularly high when it comes to purchasing power, everywhere in the country but especially in Wallonia where it is considered the most important issue. In
Flanders, concerns about making ends meet are also rising but the primary worry remains the state of public finances. Concerns just behind purchasing power include political representation and mistrust of the current functioning of democracy. Immigration, which was the top concern in 2024 at the time of the elections, has fallen to fourth place among Belgians’ concerns. Belgians also are not happy with measures the government is planning, especially at the federal level. Measures to increase VAT and cap wage indexation are overwhelmingly rejected, everywhere
and by almost all voter groups. Pension reform – in particular the loss of certain pension entitlements in the event of early retirement – is also generally rejected, particularly on the left in Wallonia and Brussels. Other reforms, despite being contested, are supported by the public. This is the case, for example, with the time limit on unemployment benefits which is supported at a rate of 77% in Flanders and 59% in Wallonia. There is also significant support for tightening controls on long-term sick leave,
ranging from 72% in Brussels to 82% in Flanders. In Wallonia, 75% of all voters “agree” or “very much agree” with such measures. While some issues tend to see support along expected party lines, others come as a surprise. While the right-leaning MR party opposes a capital gains tax that would affect the very wealthy, 56% of MR voters support it. Also noted in the survey is a collapse in support for defence spending. Last year, some 71% of Flemings and about 60% of Walloons
and Brussels residents were in favour of increasing the defence budget to 2% of GDP. This year, the government is aiming for 5% and the public is no longer on board to the same extent: 54% of Flemish people and 44% of Walloons and Brussels residents support the shift – generally along political lines with opposition greatest among left-wing voters – whereas last year’s support was broad.
Belgium, economic pessimism, purchasing power, public finances, RTBF, VRT, University of Antwerp, Université Libre de Bruxelles, VAT, wage indexation, pension reform, unemployment benefits, sick leave, defence spending, MR