Walloon province abolition by 2030 saves €3M, but costs remain unclear

The planned abolition of Belgium's five Walloon provinces by 2030 would save approximately three million euros annually by eliminating the salaries of 230 provincial councilors and 21 deputies. The savings are considered minimal compared to the provinces' combined budget of two billion euros, according to Tanguy Stuckens, deputy-president of the Brabant Wallon provincial college. Walloon Minister François Desquesnes argues further savings could come from consolidating dispersed public spending across multiple government levels. The reform requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority, needing opposition support. Provincial staff would be transferred to other government levels rather than laid off.