Son of a farmer, father of three children, he will not leave immediately on vacation. “After Parliament and the Libramont Fair. I’m partially on call for the government too. I will be leaving after August 15. We will go to France in the south. »
What is your priority at the moment?
Purchasing power is people’s number one problem right now. They are worried about seeing prices soar with the approaching winter. Gas prices and supply are uncertain. I am very concerned about this issue. For citizens, but also for companies whose cost of energy is an important factor in their profitability. We must take steps to be able to ensure the energy supply of gas and the economic conditions of this supply, otherwise part of our economic activity could be in danger… and individuals find themselves in very complicated situations. We are constantly talking about it with the federal government.
This week was one of meditation one year later…
It is a week of commemorations. This is the human drama. Deaths, devastated city centers… The government has rolled up its sleeves at all levels. In my department, it is estimated that 762 companies have been affected.
Do insurance companies still have to make an effort?
The Minister-President leads the negotiations. Today, there is a new discussion underway to decide how the excess will be distributed. Negotiations are always difficult, but I urge and encourage insurers to make the necessary effort in this area. I know the law does not require them to do so.
In terms of permits, you have to take measures that will not necessarily be popular?
The priority is to protect people. If we want to reduce the risk of flooding (green spaces, create ponds, etc.), prevention work is essential and we have to accept it.
Occasionally there are tensions between Brussels and Wallonia?
There needs to be consistency across regions. I regret that very often the Brussels region goes it alone. Brussels cannot live like an island. I don’t want to have a conflictual relationship with the Brussels authorities, but obviously, when you try to decide on your own by sending the bill to all the commuters in Wallonia and Flanders, it’s not work in full cooperation.
A word on the appointment of Hadja Lahbib?
I know her at this stage only from her media career, but I am certain that she will carry out this function with competence and conviction. Her experience as a special envoy and war reporter is a real asset for this very important ministerial portfolio.
Published on Saturday July 16, 2022 at 08:51
Is car tax reform complicated?
I think it is important to emphasize that we must encourage a shift, even partial, of the population to another form of mobility to allow a change in habits. The gradual shift in the movement of part of the population is essential. I am aware that travel in rural areas must meet other requirements: in some places, it is impossible to travel without a car.
How to avoid tension?
This tax reform will benefit from extensive consultation with the various players concerned (Febiac, the economic and social council of Wallonia, etc.) which will lead to a meeting before the second reading of the text. Minister Henry called him back.
What is essential for you?
The reform must remain balanced for the population. There should be no unreasonable tipping. We need consistency and avoid competition between neighboring regions, as for leasing for example.
Published on Saturday July 16, 2022 at 08:51
Which sectors of innovation are interesting to have a job today for young people?
Everything related to the field of life sciences. In the world, we are one of the cutting-edge valleys of life sciences with a series of innovations, researchers… Covid has revealed to us the importance of these life science players. These are meaningful careers and we are understaffed. If young people have not yet made a career choice, they should think about this sector and these professions.
Energy will also be a central sector?
The energy aspect is also a buoyant sector, as is the circular economy: whether in terms of energy consumption, energy storage, hydrogen, etc. All these sectors must be of interest to our young people. Moreover, Walloon excellence also exists in the world of images: in many major shows or cartoons or sports competitions. Professions where we are also looking for young enthusiasts.
The Walloons do not always know all these champions…
I think we need to make them better known to the general public. Through these champions, we must really be able to say to ourselves: it is therefore possible. Young people must and can believe in it. Certain indicators (jobs, etc.) show that we are moving forward. “Let’s go ahead” I repeat!
Did you also talk about Innovation in the agricultural world, which we don’t always think about?
We are at the forefront of scientific knowledge with the agronomic research center in Gembloux, the CER group in Marloie, the Walloon Livestock Agency in Ciney also in particular: we know the herds, diseases, plants, etc. Digitally enters the farms: weather, data knowledge, health knowledge… We often receive foreign delegations who come to learn from our know-how.
Published on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 08:52
How is the agricultural world doing one week before the Libramont fair?
The agricultural world has been my common thread since the beginning of my life. There was a farm in complementary activity to the house. I also had the opportunity to exercise ministerial competence at the federal and regional level. The agricultural world is once again in a complicated situation due to the war, soaring prices (fertilizer, fuel, etc.). No one can predict how the situation will develop in 3 months, 6 months, a year.
Could Wallonia produce more in this context?
We have advanced agriculture that is relatively scalable. This is why we are not confronted with the same problem of the pressure on the ground as those which one meets in the Netherlands or in Flanders. Fortunately, our model is more balanced and more family-friendly. We have nearly 12,600 farms in Wallonia. We have expertise that allows us to have a very good level of agriculture in milk, cereals or in the meat sector. We also have sectors where we can still progress, such as sheep and goat meat, protein production, etc.
Our farmers are not on the streets like in the Netherlands?
We have taken measures to preserve a certain balance between three pillars: enabling farmers to earn a living, to take on this nurturing mission and in a resilient way (i.e. in a way that does not affect not sustainably the soil or the environment). Furthermore, the entry into force of the new CAP, common agricultural policy, on 1 January next year is important. We are in dialogue with Europe to finalize our plan at this level.
Should we still fear farm closures?
Currently, we are experiencing a stabilization and I want to continue this preservation of the number of farms and employment. We also see people returning to agricultural activity such as market gardening… st a job that has always been meaningful and close to the land. Before, everyone had a farmer in their family, this natural societal bond has been stretched over time.
V.Li.
Published on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 08:52
Do you manage to keep a family life and see your children?
An evening, a family meal. A walk in the forest. Adeps steps. We have to keep small moments in our diary, otherwise we are caught up in this work 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, with the news and the files.
Even on Sunday ?
I work to prepare the files for the week. I like to go walking in nature. I meet very friendly citizens. I also go to certain activities such as the “Statues en Marche” Festival this Sunday. Last week, I was at the Gaming Zone at Les Ardentes. At times like these, I mix work and family activities.
What do you think of the extra day off debate?
I am not at all in favor of there being an extra day off in Wallonia. I see the debate in Flanders and it has a nationalist symbolism. I am in the field with the population and no one is talking to me about an extra day off.