Brussels, Belgium – A growing political rift is emerging in the Flemish government over planned austerity measures impacting public transportation. While the government intends to move forward with 35.5 million euros in cuts to De Lijn, the Flemish region’s public transit system, opposition is mounting from within the ruling coalition itself.
The proposed cuts have sparked widespread criticism from local officials across party lines, including members of the N-VA, Vooruit, and cd&v parties. Several municipalities and regional transport authorities have already rejected the austerity plans, fearing significant disruptions to service and increased transportation hardship, particularly in rural areas. The Vervoerregio Vlaamse Rand, for example, recently rejected the savings plan, expressing concerns about potential “transport poverty” for residents of outlying communities.
Jos D’Haese, a member of the Flemish Parliament, sharply criticized the government’s priorities, stating, “The Flemish Government gives millions to war material but saves on De Lijn.” He argued that the cuts represent a damaging blow to public transportation and called for a reversal of the decision. A motion to overturn the cuts is scheduled for a vote in the Flemish Parliament.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the CD&V and Vooruit parties are simultaneously campaigning against the very cuts they approved as part of the governing coalition. CD&V has even launched a petition, under the slogan “Save our bus lines,” to protest the measures, despite having previously supported them.
Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele (N-VA) acknowledged the “robust discussion” surrounding De Lijn, but affirmed that the overall savings target of 35.5 million euros remains in place. He indicated that the details of how those savings will be achieved are still open for negotiation, shifting responsibility to the regional transport authorities.
The controversy underscores the challenges facing the Flemish government as it attempts to balance budgetary constraints with the need to maintain essential public services. The debate highlights the increasing tension between regional and national priorities in Belgium’s complex political landscape.
In Limburg province, local officials have united in opposition to the cuts, claiming they are being used as a scapegoat to justify broader austerity measures. The Mortsel municipal council is also set to discuss a motion opposing the reduction in bus services on Tuesday.
