Vooruit requires « thorough strategic discussion » about defense within the government

The federal government decided at Easter to withdraw the defense budget from this year to the NATO standard of 2 percent of the gross domestic product, accounting for 3.7 billion euros in extra expenses. For coalition partner CD&V, it must stay with those 2 percent for the time being, according to Vandenbroucke, ahead may be open to a further increase in the budget. « We want to wait and see what’s coming on the table », it sounded in the seventh day.

It is precisely this currently missing the debate within the government, the minister said. « In Defense, just like in health care or justice, reforming. More of the same will not help, » he said. Vandenbroucke argues for more European cooperation to expand defense capacity.

In addition, Europe is now too dependent on the United States, he fears. « It makes no sense to have fifty F-35s on Tarmac if you don’t know where to fly. Our dependence on Americans is worrying. »

Vandenbroucke asks that the federal government « starts quickly with a very thorough strategic discussion about » how are we going to defend ourselves efficiently, « it sounded. « I am a bit worried about it that it will not come out. »

Dangerous precedent

Opposition party green is also worried. The budget documents show that the 3.7 billion is housed under a ‘provisional credit defense’. That means that only Francken and Minister of Budget Vincent van Peteghem (CD&V) should give their blessing about where the money is going, and the parliament is not, criticizes MP Staf Aerts. « A dangerous precedent, » he says.

Vooruit Vice-Prime Minister Frank Vandenbroucke emphasized in the seventh day that there is no question of a carte blanche for Francken. There will be a parliamentary debate about the major strategic orientations, and moreover, the government also decides, he said. « In the government, all ‘checks and balances’ will also be there for Minister Francken. »

CD&V room fraction leader Nawal Fari also guaranteed in the seventh day that there must be an agreement within the government about what happens to the extra defense tools. « No list of no minister can be taken or left. This is about tax money. »

N-VA party leader Axel Ronse emphasized that the parliament can always question the minister and the government.

Vlaams Belang Member of Parliament Wouter Vermeersch said that his party will follow the file in parliament and « carry out checks there ».