Brussels (Brussels Morning – November 26, 2023) Paul Magnette, leader of the Socialist Party (PS), presented the party’s local policy priorities at the Congress of Communes in Wavre, Wallonia. Addressing 800 local delegates and activists, Magnette emphasized the pressing need to address municipal challenges.
Why are these priorities crucial for municipal authorities?
Magnette stressed the urgency of empowering municipalities with adequate resources, stating, “Municipalities must be given the means to function.” The PS identified a significant budget shortfall of approximately one billion euros in Walloon municipalities, impacting crucial services such as social welfare, emergency response, and law enforcement.
What solutions does the PS propose?
To alleviate financial strain, the PS suggests transferring the pension scheme for local agents and managing social integration income financing at the federal level. Additionally, Magnette urged the federal government to better fund policies affecting communities, particularly in the realms of security and justice. Furthermore, the PS aims to address housing challenges by increasing public dwellings and regulating rentals to improve living conditions. The party also seeks to enhance support for local businesses through regional program reforms.
The PS’s initiatives, formulated through extensive workshops and consultations, aim to equip municipalities with the necessary tools to address pressing local issues. These policy priorities will likely shape the discourse leading up to the upcoming local elections on October 13.
