Elisabeth Degryse acknowledges public anger over austerity measures
Minister-president Elisabeth Degryse said she understands the public anger and disappointment caused by recent austerity steps, and affirmed the government will stand by its decisions.
At a gathering of about 300 officials in the historic Brussels City Hall, Elisabeth Degryse, minister-president of the Federation of Wallonia-Brussels, addressed the backlash against the government's sweeping austerity plan. She admitted that the cuts have sparked legitimate anger and disappointment, framing such dissent as healthy for democracy. Degryse reiterated that the difficult decisions were taken to preserve the federation's fiscal viability.
While acknowledging the criticism, she stressed that the administration is prepared to own the outcomes of its policies. The remarks came amid ongoing protests, particularly within the education sector, over the budgetary reforms.
Why it matters
The statement signals the government's stance on unpopular fiscal reforms and its willingness to face public criticism.
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