“I don't understand why everyone doesn't fully defend this policy.”

In a conversation with De Sondag, Prime Minister De Croo strongly defends the current government's policy, but at the same time calls for a new political story after June 9.

On June 9thI There will be a federal election. In the interview with De Sondag, Prime Minister De Croo evaluates his government's policy: “If you work together, a lot can be achieved in this country.”

De Croo lists the three achievements of which he is proudest as Prime Minister: “First: our vaccination campaign was the best in the entire world.” The weak first, then everyone else. Second: There is no country in Europe that has succeeded in protecting purchasing power better than us. People have become richer, because of this policy. For example, we have been very effective on temporary unemployment and energy subsidies. Third: We will keep two nuclear power plants open for a longer period.

What are you most disappointed about?

Crow: 'About wanting a glimpse of some party. I don't understand why everyone doesn't fully defend this policy. Maybe seven games is a very good thing. And when I look at politics: I was hoping for tax reform that would widen the gap between work and non-work. Unfortunately, the proposal that was on the table would have left a very deep hole in the budget.

CD&V points the finger at you for its failure. It would not have been given to the relevant Minister Vincent van Petegem because he is a local colleague.

Crow: “This is a small number of them, and it is, above all, a lie.” Vincent and I worked on this file together. This was not even in the coalition agreement.

The biggest criticism comes from the derailed budget. “The situation is catastrophic,” says economist Geert Noels in Het Laatste Nieuws. Approves?

Crow: 'no. Let me be clear: the budget has to be better. But I think the criticisms are completely exaggerated. Always this pessimism. I won't participate in that. We don't have the worst budget in Europe ever. France, Italy, Slovakia, Malta: all of these countries are doing worse. This government wanted to protect the economy in times of crisis. We succeeded in that too.

Most economists say these one-time expenses are not the problem. The problem lies deeper: in Social Security.

Crow: This is true and that is why the elections come at a good time. This government has also reformed, yes, but we have mainly protected. Now it's time to shift focus. How do we organize our budget? So how do we get more people to work? How do we invest more in defense and security? These are the challenges of the future. That's why our country now needs a new dynamic, a new political story, and a new coalition agreement. It is good that the elections are coming now. My party has put forward a clear path to the budget for the next five years. “I hope all parties do so.”

Can you write that new story with the same seven government parties?

Crow: “My experience is that it is easier with fewer parties. So I hope that the next government will have fewer parties. But that is one of those questions… Let the voter express himself first and then we will see. I will say this: it has to be The next government has a social and economic focus. Getting more people to work: this will be the priority. Therefore, the difference between working and not working must be at least 500 euros.