BRUSSELS, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Belgium's new Prime Minister Bart De Wever outlined his government's priorities in parliament on Tuesday, pledging austerity measures, stricter migration controls, and a security overhaul, including increased defense spending and police reforms.

De Wever emphasized that reducing Belgium's debt, which exceeds 100 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), is a key priority. The government plans to cap unemployment benefits at two years and introduce pension reforms, imposing a two percent annual penalty for early retirement starting in 2026, rising to five percent by 2040, while rewarding those who work beyond the legal retirement age.

"Those who retire early must accept the financial consequences," he told lawmakers.

The government also aims to boost employment by gradually raising the minimum wage and cutting employer taxes by 1.5 billion euros (1.56 billion U.S. dollars). Workers will receive 500 euros more per month than those on unemployment, reinforcing incentives to remain in the workforce.

On migration, social benefits will be restricted for newcomers until they have lived in Belgium for five years. Family reunification rules will tighten, and asylum seekers will receive reduced financial aid, covering their own expenses once granted residency.

"A stricter system is needed to ensure an orderly and sustainable migration policy," De Wever said.

To enhance public security, the government will merge Brussels' police zones to improve coordination in crime response. De Wever vowed zero tolerance for violence against law enforcement and pledged stronger policing measures.

Defense spending will rise to two percent of GDP in line with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments, with plans to modernize military equipment.

The debate on the general policy statement will take place on Wednesday, with the vote of confidence expected on Thursday afternoon.

After eight months of negotiations, Belgium's new government, a five-party coalition known as "Arizona," was sworn in on Feb. 3, 2025. (1 euro = 1.04 U.S. dollar) Enditem

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