N-VA takes step towards multi-million euro savings: freeze on party funding finally within reach

After years of deadlock, there is finally movement in the debate on party financing. Today, the Parliamentary Committee discussed the N-VA’s bill to freeze public funding for political parties for the first time. “A measure that would save at least five million euros in total,” said MP Wim Van der Donckt with satisfaction.

Breaking years of political gridlock

Since 2019, the N-VA has been calling for significant cuts to party funding. But during the previous legislative term, the Vivaldi coalition refused to even place the proposal on the agenda.

“Back then, more than six million euros in potential savings were lost,” said Wim Van der Donckt. “We tried to push it through with a budget amendment, but the opportunity slipped away.”

Politics must lead by example

The new proposal would fix party funding levels between 2025 and 2029 at the amount indexed in June 2024, the most recent adjustment. There would be no further indexation during that period. Indexing may resume in 2030, but without retroactive effect. The previously approved cut of 5.32% also remains in place.

According to estimates, the measure would result in total savings of at least five million euros by the end of the period.

“We’re turning words into action,” Wim Van der Donckt concluded. “Citizens are right to expect politicians to take responsibility too. Anyone serious about budget cuts must also be willing to look critically at their own operations.”