Over Half of Belgian Citizens Report Decline in Purchasing Power After Government Change
A recent survey reveals widespread concern over shrinking incomes, with faith in tax reforms faltering across Belgium
A new RTL info – Ipsos – Le Soir survey published on September 26 highlights mounting anxiety among Belgians regarding their purchasing power. Out of the 2,600 people polled, 73% said their purchasing power had diminished since the Bart De Wever government took office on February 3, 2025. Most respondents expressed pessimism about the nation’s economic direction, with just a third believing planned tax reforms will effectively boost net salaries.
Bernard Demonty, politics editor at Le Soir, commented that citizens are increasingly skeptical about the government’s promises—such as the annual €500 additional income—doubting their feasibility after months of little change. This skepticism is fueling a broader loss of confidence in government pledges and the administration’s ability to address financial hardships.
The survey, conducted online between September 16 and 23, sampled residents from Belgium’s three main regions: 1,000 from Wallonia, 1,000 from Flanders, and 600 from Brussels. With the margin of error set at ±3.1% for Wallonia and Flanders and ±4% for Brussels, support for the government stands at only 34%. Observers expect public dissatisfaction with purchasing power to intensify upcoming debates over the government’s economic policies.
