Brussels: The federal government of Belgium has announced significant cost-saving measures aimed at curbing the expenses of ministerial cabinets. The government plans to cut 30% of cabinet costs and impose stricter oversight by requiring more frequent approvals from the Council of Ministers for their spending. According to Emirates News Agency, Budget Minister Vincent Van Peteghem emphasized the urgency of these measures, citing the country's challenging budgetary situation. "Our country faces a tough, but highly necessary budgetary task," Van Peteghem stated, highlighting the need for seriousness and focus in addressing the fiscal challenges. He stressed the importance of swift decision-making and implementing policies that can help reverse the current financial trajectory. Currently, the Belgian government operates under a 'provisional twelfths' budget, which permits spending of 1/12th of the total projected expenditure for 2024, with additional allowances for indexation, each month. However, Van Peteghem has proposed amendments to this provisional budget to enhance fiscal discipline within government operations. One of the primary measures includes a significant reduction in the operating and personnel costs of the cabinets, projected to save 21 million euros annually. In addition to budget cuts, Van Peteghem has called for stricter discipline in public procurement and contracts for works, supplies, and services, even within the newly established financial constraints.
