Mr Leterme's Flemish Christian democrat party that forms part of the
federal coalition failed in its bid to convince its partners of the need
to introduce a wealth tax. The former Prime Minister's words also
constitute a criticism of his own Flemish Christian democrat party:
"I am aware it's not easy to ask for a contribution from the biggest fortunes. Businesses will always discover ways of finding loopholes, but there must be a fair spread of the efforts being asked."
Mr Leterme agrees that labour should be taxed less. Both employers and employees should pay less tax: "The government wants to save money, but will also have to find new ways of generating revenue if taxes on labour are cut."
Though not available in person, a spokesman for Belgian Finance Minister Johan Van Overtveldt (Flemish nationalist) didn't rule out an extra tax on Belgium's wealthiest people, if two conditions are met: overall taxation does not increase and taxes on labour are cut.
The Finance Minister’s spokesman insisted that a general tax on profits generated by capital was not on because this would hit small investors. A contribution by the country’s most affluent was possible, but the details would have to be decided by the government.
"I am aware it's not easy to ask for a contribution from the biggest fortunes. Businesses will always discover ways of finding loopholes, but there must be a fair spread of the efforts being asked."
Mr Leterme agrees that labour should be taxed less. Both employers and employees should pay less tax: "The government wants to save money, but will also have to find new ways of generating revenue if taxes on labour are cut."
Though not available in person, a spokesman for Belgian Finance Minister Johan Van Overtveldt (Flemish nationalist) didn't rule out an extra tax on Belgium's wealthiest people, if two conditions are met: overall taxation does not increase and taxes on labour are cut.
The Finance Minister’s spokesman insisted that a general tax on profits generated by capital was not on because this would hit small investors. A contribution by the country’s most affluent was possible, but the details would have to be decided by the government.
Speaking on VRT TV Belgian Economy Minister Kris Peeters (Flemish Christian democrat) said that Mr Leterme was right to request a contribution from the wealthy, though on the same show Interior Minister Jan Jambon (Flemish nationalist) insisted that the measure was not included in the Coalition Agreement.
Bron : http://deredactie.be/cm/vrtnieuws.english/News/1.2143335
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