A recent guest lecture featuring Wesley De Visscher, chief of staff to Belgian Finance Minister Jan Jambon, has sparked controversy. The event, held on 2025-05-27 15:21:00 in Bruges, focused on the federal government’s newly approved programme law, which includes significant fiscal reforms. Organised by SBM, a company specialising in business lectures, the session promised an insider’s view beyond mere figures and texts, charging participants €160 excluding VAT.
- Wesley De Visscher gaf betaald gastcollege in Brugge
- Programmawet bevat fiscale en werkloosheidsmaatregelen
- Groen-Kamerlid Almaci hekelt parlementaire procedure
- Oppositie eist uitleg en parlementaire gastcollege
- Jambon ontkent kennis van betaalde lezing
- Eerdere controverse rond fiscale gastsprekers in 2018
The lecture covered key changes such as limits on unemployment benefits and adjustments to corporate car taxation and second-home tax advantages. However, the law discussed has yet to be formally submitted to parliament, raising ethical concerns. Opposition politicians, led by Groen MP Meyrem Almaci, have criticized the event for bypassing parliamentary protocols, demanding explanations from Minister Jambon.
With calls for De Visscher to present the lecture directly in parliament, the situation raises questions about transparency and access to sensitive fiscal information. What does this mean for public trust in Belgium’s fiscal policymaking? And how should government officials balance openness with procedural rules? The following fast answer clarifies the local impact.
This incident prompts reflection on how government insiders communicate upcoming policies. Is charging for such briefings appropriate when the law is not yet public? Key points include:
- The programme law discussed is not yet submitted to parliament, violating usual information procedures.
- Opposition parties demand accountability and want the lecture repeated in parliament for transparency.
- Minister Jambon claims unawareness of the event’s details and promises to clarify the situation.
As the parliamentary inquiry unfolds, Belgian citizens and stakeholders should watch closely how fiscal reforms are communicated. Will this lead to clearer rules on government officials’ public engagements? Transparency remains crucial for trust in Belgium’s fiscal future.
