Brussels, 27 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Federation budget cuts are facing renewed political and social opposition after Minister-President Elisabeth Degryse acknowledged anger over her government’s savings measures but insisted they are necessary to protect the finances of the Federation Wallonia-Brussels. Her remarks came during official Federation celebrations at Brussels City Hall on 26 September.
Degryse Acknowledges Anger Over Budget Measures
Degryse, of Les Engagés, addressed criticism of the MR-Les Engagés government’s spending programme during a ceremony attended by about 300 representatives of Belgian authorities.
She acknowledged the strength of opposition to the decisions.
“We had to take difficult decisions; they may have caused anger and disappointment,” Degryse said.
The Minister-President then made clear that the government would continue defending its approach.
“We are aware of it. But we stand by it,” she added.
Degryse said disagreement was normal in a democracy and argued that the savings were intended to ensure the long-term viability of the Federation.
Government Maintains €500 Million Savings Target
The Federation budget cuts form part of a multi-year plan intended to deliver around €500 million in net structural savings by 2029.
According to the Federation government, its original programme combined €670 million in savings with €180 million in new policies. The government aims to stabilise the annual deficit at approximately €1.2 billion by 2029.
Official budget figures put the Federation’s 2026 SEC financing deficit at approximately €1.608 billion. Education, research and training represent by far the largest spending category, with almost €10.93 billion allocated in the initial 2026 budget.
The government confirmed during its April budget adjustment that the €500 million net savings target remains in place.
Education Measures Drive Public Opposition
Education has become one of the most contentious areas of the programme.
On 10 September, thousands of teachers, students, parents and supporters demonstrated in Liège. Trade unions estimated attendance at around 13,000, while police put the number at approximately 10,000.
Unions estimate that measures voted in December 2025 and June 2026 could result in the loss of nearly 2,000 full-time-equivalent positions in schools. That figure represents the unions’ assessment and is not a government-confirmed total. Protesters have also raised concerns about staffing levels, class sizes, working conditions and costs facing families.
Government Cites Rising Debt Risks
The government argues that failing to control spending would create larger financial problems.
Its October 2025 budget statement warned that Federation debt could increase from €12.7821 billion in 2024 to around €21 billion in 2029 without corrective action. The government said rising debt-servicing costs would reduce resources available for public services.
Budget Dispute Continues Into New Academic Year
No reversal of the overall savings target has been announced. The April budget adjustment explicitly maintained the planned €500 million in net savings through 2029.
Degryse’s latest comments therefore acknowledge the backlash without signalling a change in the government’s fiscal direction. With education measures already generating demonstrations and organised union opposition, the political dispute over the savings programme is continuing during the 2026-27 academic year.
