During a recent discussion, David Clarinval addressed various topics, including the controversial franchising of Delhaize stores. Workers have expressed concerns, but Clarinval explained that there is a legal framework in place and that Delhaize management has given guarantees that the rules will be respected. He also criticized socialist unions for portraying the franchise as akin to slavery, emphasizing that while there may be fewer staff in franchise stores, working conditions are not negatively impacted and are in fact the same. Additionally, Clarinval addressed the predicted national deficit of 41 billion by 2028, stressing the need to take measures to correct the situation without impacting growth. He also mentioned the proposed master’s degree in medicine at Mons, but expressed opposition to the idea.
David Clarinval mentioned several hot topics starting with the case of Delhaize, whose stores are going to be franchised, which greatly worries workers. What levers can the government pull? There is really very little room for manoeuvre. “We understand the concern of workers when they undergo a restructuring. There is nevertheless a legal framework in Belgium which allows this kind of operation to be carried out. The shareholders, whether Belgian or Dutch, must respect the rules. To my knowledge, there is no violation that has been committed. I met the management of Delhaize, they guaranteed me that the rules would be respected”he confides.
David Clarinval then pushed a little rant towards the socialist unions which, according to him, “really caricature” the franchise. “It looks like we have slavers. That’s what the unions want people to believe. They think they’re going to work with slavers. These are caricatures that need to stop being spread”comments Minister MR.
Before continuing: “It’s clear that in franchise stores, there is less staff, for an equal area, than in integrated stores. The working conditions are no less good. They are the same. But it is a management of self-employed”.
David Clarinval also mentioned the federal budget. National Bank figures predict a deficit of 41 billion by 2028. How to fill this gap? David Clarinval replies: “There are several elements to give. The deficit is increasing. If we do not take measures, we will have a deficit close to 6%. That means that Europe will sanction us because we are in full budgetary slippage. We must already ask ourselves whether we are taking measures on the 2023 budget to correct the situation or whether we are waiting for 2024 or 2025. I think that we must already make an effort this year but this effort must be calibrated and not won’t impact growth. But not all parties around the table agree,” he shouts.
David Clarinval also mentioned the master’s degree in medicine which could be organized on the side of Mons, although it is not a federal theme. The Deputy Prime was rather against.
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In conclusion, David Clarinval tackled some important topics in his interview. He shed light on the concerns of workers regarding Delhaize’s franchising plans, and assured that the legal framework will be respected. He also criticized the socialist unions’ portrayal of franchising as slavery, and clarified that the working conditions will remain the same. Additionally, he discussed the federal budget and the need for measures to prevent a deficit, while also ensuring growth. Finally, he touched upon a proposed master’s degree in medicine, expressing his reservations on the matter. With these insights, it remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed in the future.