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DIRECTDEMOCRACYS

FOR BELGIUM

COMPLETE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL PROGRAM

Based on logic, common sense, study, reality,

truth, coherence and mutual respect.

Edition 2025–2030

directdemocracys.org

PREFACE: A NEW POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY

DirectDemocracyS (DDS) is not a traditional political party. It is a global political organization based on shared leadership, collective ownership, and direct democracy. We believe that current political systems — in Belgium and around the world — have structurally failed: not because of the people working in them, but because of the architecture of the system itself.

This program is not an election promise to be forgotten after the vote. It is a concrete, detailed, financially viable, and feasible blueprint for a new Belgium: fairer, more efficient, more democratic, and more sustainable.

We analyze reality as it is, not as politicians like to claim it is. We call problems by their name. We offer solutions that have been tested for logic, feasibility, and fairness. We speak with respect for all citizens, without distinction of language, region, origin, or belief.

This document is a living instrument: it is updated as reality evolves, as new data become available, and as citizens actively participate in refining the proposals.

PART I — ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT REALITY IN BELGIUM

Before solutions can be proposed, the reality must be established honestly and completely. This section contains no political rhetoric: it consists of facts, figures, and structural analyses.

1.1 THE INSTITUTIONAL CRISIS

1.1.1 The hypercomplex state structure

Belgium has one of the most complex state structures in the world. There are six governments (federal, three communities, three regions), the European level, provinces, and municipalities. This results in:

Chronic government formations: in 2010–2011, Belgium was without a government for 541 days (world record). In 2019–2020: 493 days.
Structural conflicts of competence: who is responsible for healthcare, education, and the labor market? The answers are rarely straightforward.
Double, triple, and sometimes quadruple administrations for identical functions.
Annual cost of institutional overhead: estimated at 2.5–4 billion euros for duplicate structures alone.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS: INSTITUTIONAL INEFFICIENCE

The Belgian state structure was not designed to be efficient: it was designed to manage community conflicts. The result is a system that is extremely expensive, responds slowly to crises (proven in COVID-19), and in which the citizen never clearly knows who is responsible for which policy.

Concrete data: Belgium has approximately 600,000 civil servants in a population of 11.6 million — this is the highest ratio in the EU (approximately 5.2% of the population). The public sector wage bill amounts to approximately 50 billion euros per year.

The national debt amounts to approximately 107% of GDP (2024), structurally rising. Budget deficits are endemic. Rating agencies maintain Belgium at BBB+ with a negative outlook.

1.1.2 The democratic divide

Voter turnout is steadily declining, despite compulsory voting. Polls show that only 23% of Belgians trust political parties (Eurobarometer 2024). The perception of corruption and cronyism is widespread, even though formal indicators are average for the EU.

The real problem is more structural: citizens vote every five years, but otherwise have no direct say. Popular initiatives hardly exist. Referendums are exceptional and not binding. The citizen is a consumer of democracy, not a producer.

1.2 THE ECONOMIC REALITY

1.2.1 Macroeconomic overview

Indicator	Value (2024)
GDP	approx. 575 billion euros
GDP per capita	approx. 49,500 euros (EU-4e)
Growth rate	+1.2% (weaker than EU average)
Unemployment	5.6% (but inactivity rate high: 37%)
National debt	107% of GDP (~620 billion euros)
Budget deficit	-4.7% of GDP (2024, above the 3% threshold)
Inflation	2.9% (after a peak of 10.3% in 2022)
Poverty risk	13.1% of the population (approx. 1.5 million)
Industrial energy costs	Highest or second-highest in the EU

1.2.2 Structural economic weaknesses

The wage cost handicap: Belgian labor is significantly more expensive than in neighboring countries. Indexation protects purchasing power but creates rigidity.
The high tax burden on labor: the marginal tax rate can rise to 53.5%. Belgium ranks among the world leaders in terms of the tax burden on labor.
The erosion of the industrial base: manufacturing declined from 22% of GDP (1980) to approx. 13% (2024).
The dualization of the labor market: permanent contracts versus precarious jobs. The share of part-time workers (many involuntarily) has risen to 26%.
The pension gap: the statutory retirement age rises to 67 (2030), but the effective retirement age is approximately 61.2 years. The pension system is structurally unsustainable without reform.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS: HIDDEN UNEMPLOYMENT

The official unemployment rate of 5.6% masks a dramatically higher percentage of the 'inactive' population. When the long-term sick (approx. 470,000 people — highest in the EU), time credit, early retirees, and discouraged job seekers are included, the actual non-participation rate amounts to approx. 37%.

This costs society an estimated 15–20 billion euros per year in lost taxes and social contributions, plus direct benefit costs.

The causes are structural: inadequate guidance, discouragement due to the benefits trap, insufficient retraining, and a labor market that is poorly aligned with available competencies.

1.3 THE SOCIAL REALITY

1.3.1 Healthcare

Technically speaking, Belgium has an excellent healthcare system, but it is under severe pressure:

Waiting times for specialists: an average of 22 days, rising to 60+ days for some disciplines.
Staff shortage: a shortage of approximately 10,000–15,000 healthcare providers in 2025, rising to 30,000 in 2030 without intervention.
Out-of-pocket contributions: despite insurance, Belgians pay an average of 19% of healthcare costs themselves — a poverty threshold.
Mental health care: dramatically underfunded. Waiting times for psychiatric care: 6–18 months. Suicide rate: 20.7 per 100,000 (high in an EU context).
Prevention: only 3.2% of the healthcare budget goes to prevention. The rest to cure. This is economically irrational.

1.3.2 Education

The Belgian education system faces a deep paradox: high government spending but growing social inequality.

PISA 2022: significant decline in mathematics, reading, and science. Belgium drops to the EU middle.
Social reproduction: the chance that a child of low-educated parents will obtain a university degree is only 18% — one of the lowest in the EU.
Teacher shortage: approx. 3,500–5,000 vacancies in Flanders, 1,500 in Wallonia. The profession has become unattractive.
Structural problem: early orientation (12 years) creates an A/B stream that is difficult to break.
Digital divide: 18% of students do not have an adequate internet connection at home.

1.3.3 Accommodation

Average house price: 310,000 euros (2024), an increase of 87% in 20 years.
Rental prices Brussels-Capital Region: average 1,050 euros/month for an apartment.
Social housing waiting lists: approx. 195,000 families are waiting for a social home.
Homeless people: approx. 17,000 persons in a situation of homelessness (2023 census), an increase of 35% compared to 2018.
Vacancy: estimated at 150,000–200,000 homes structurally vacant in Belgium — a paradox.

1.3.4 Mobility and Infrastructure

Traffic congestion: Belgium consistently ranks among the world's top countries for traffic congestion. Direct economic cost: approx. 2.8 billion euros/year (VIAS, 2023).
Public transport: NMBS loses passengers, struggles with chronic punctuality problems (55.9% punctuality in 2023 for trains > 6 minutes delay).
Cycle paths: large gap between urban areas (Ghent, Leuven) and the countryside. Cycling infrastructure inadequate outside core cities.
Air quality: NO2 and particulate matter exceed WHO standards in virtually all Belgian cities.

1.4 THE ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS

1.4.1 Climate and Energy

Belgium faces a fundamental energy transition that has so far been implemented only partially and incoherently.

CO2 emissions: 8.1 tonnes per capita (2023), above the EU average of 6.9 tonnes. Decline too slow for climate targets.
Nuclear energy: 10-year extension of two reactors (Doel 4 and Tihange 3) until 2035 — a pragmatic but contested choice.
Renewable energy: 21% of electricity production (2023), target 37% for 2030. Behind schedule.
Grid infrastructure: Elia estimates investment needs of 6.5 billion euros for 2030 for grid expansion.
Energy poverty: approx. 15% of households struggle with energy poverty — increased sharply after the 2022 price crisis.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS: BELGIAN CLIMATE POLICY

Despite ambitious paper targets, Belgian climate policy is fragmented and insufficient. The division of powers (energy is partly federal, partly regional) makes coherent policy structurally difficult.

Wallonia and Brussels are lagging behind on climate targets. There is no binding national climate plan with clear responsibilities per administrative level.

The planned closure of nuclear power plants was postponed — proof that the transition was not planned in a timely manner. This is costing billions in additional gas prices and import dependency.

PART II — THE DDS PROGRAM FOR BELGIUM

The solutions we propose are based on seven fundamental principles: logic, common sense, study of proven international experience, realism, veracity, internal coherence, and mutual respect. Each proposal contains: the measure, the implementation period, the financing, the expected impact, and international examples where available.

2.1 STATE REFORM AND DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL

2.1.1 Rationalization of the state structure

DDS proposes a thorough rationalization — not a new community war, but a more efficient architecture with respect for all communities.

MEASURE 1: MERGER OF POWERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEVELS

Step 1 (years 1–2): Audit of all overlapping powers between the federal, communities, and regions. Quantification of overlap and inefficiency.

Step 2 (years 2–3): Constitutional reform to assign clear, exclusive powers. Principle: each power is administered at the most efficient level.

Step 3 (years 3–5): Merger of the Flemish Community and the Flemish Region (already partially completed). Extension of this model to Wallonia and Brussels.

Step 4 (years 4–6): Abolition of the provincial administrative layer (or significant erosion to mere coordination). Savings potential: estimated at 800 million – 1.2 billion euros/year.

Concrete example: In 2007, Denmark abolished its provinces and replaced them with five regions with exclusively health-related tasks. Savings: 500 million euros per year on a smaller economy.

2.1.2 Direct democracy: the DDS model

The fundamental principle of DDS is that citizens not only choose who decides for them, but actively participate in decision-making. This requires a new participation framework.

MEASURE 2: DIRECT-DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION PLATFORM

Introduction of binding popular initiatives: 100,000 signatures (digitally verified) for the national agenda; 20,000 for the regional level.

Mandatory consultative referendum for constitutional amendments and international treaties with significant impact.

Introduction of deliberative citizen panels (based on the Irish model): randomly selected citizens analyze complex issues and make recommendations that are legally binding if 80% agreement is reached.

Example: Ireland resolved the abortion issue via a Citizens' Assembly (2016–2018) — 99 randomly selected citizens reached a coherent recommendation. This was adopted by Parliament and ratified in a referendum.

Budget: platform and support estimated at 40 million euros/year — marginal compared to current political costs.

2.1.3 Anti-corruption and transparency

MEASURE 3: RADICAL TRANSPARENCY IN PUBLIC FUNCTIONS

Full transparency of all lobbying activities (5-year revolving door ban for ministers and senior officials).

Mandatory publication of all public contracts exceeding 10,000 euros in a central, searchable database.

Independent anti-corruption agency with its own prosecution powers (based on the Swedish model).

Protection of whistleblowers: legal immunity and financial support for those who report fraud.

All political party financing fully public with real-time reporting.

Example: Sweden and Finland consistently rank in the top 3 of Transparency International. The key: mandatory public disclosure of virtually all government documents.

2.2 ECONOMIC PROGRAM

2.2.1 Tax and fiscal policy

The Belgian tax structure is complex, unfair, and economically inefficient. DDS proposes a thorough reform that is simultaneously simpler, fairer, and economically stimulating.

MEASURE 4: TAX REFORM — SHIFT FROM LABOR TO CAPITAL AND CONSUMPTION

Reduction in personal income tax on low and middle incomes (< 60,000 euros/year): on average -8 percentage points.

Introduction of a progressive capital gains tax on financial assets > 500,000 euros: 15% up to 1 million, 25% above that. Estimated revenue: 3–5 billion euros/year.

Expansion of the VAT basket for luxury goods (from 21% to 30% for goods > 5,000 euros). Environmental bonus: reduction of VAT on repairs, sustainable products, and second-hand goods to 6%.

Reformed corporate tax: lower base rates for SMEs (from 25% to 20%), effectively enforce a minimum tax of 15% on multinationals (implement OECD agreement).

Abolition of all tax subsidies for fossil fuels: estimated funds freed up: 2.1 billion euros/year.

Simplification: reduce the 350+ exceptions and deductions to a maximum of 20 clear categories.

2.2.2 Labour market reform

MEASURE 5: A MORE ACTIVATIVE AND FAIRER LABOR MARKET

Universal basic activation: everyone who has been unemployed for more than 12 months receives a personalized guidance plan with training, an internship, and a job guarantee (public sector as a last resort).

Tackling the benefit gap: gradual reduction of benefits upon returning to work instead of abrupt termination. Bonus of €3,000 upon returning to work after > 18 months of unemployment.

Flexisecurity based on the Danish model: greater dismissal flexibility for employers in exchange for higher benefits (90% of the last salary for 2 years) and intensive guidance.

Four-day week as an optional right (not an obligation): employees can work 80% for 100% pay with a demonstrable productivity guarantee.

Sectoral wage agreements with binding minimum standards per sector, above the interprofessional minimum.

Example: Denmark has a 72% employment rate (highest in the EU) combined with high job security through the Flexicurity model. Belgium scores 71.9% (2023) but with greater polarization.

2.2.3 Industrial and innovation policy

MEASURE 6: REINDUSTRIALIZATION AND GREEN ECONOMY

Strategic autonomy: establishment of a Belgian Strategic Investment Fund (BSIF) with 5 billion euros in seed capital (partly state guarantee, partly private contribution). Focus: key technologies, biotech, semiconductors, green energy.

Cluster policy: strengthening existing clusters (Biotech in Ghent, Chemistry in Antwerp, IT in Brussels-Leuven) through tax incentives and research investments.

Public-private R&D: target 3% of GDP in R&D spending (currently 3.4% — maintain and increase). Specifically: an additional 500 million for green tech and AI.

Circular economy: mandatory recycling rate for industry (50% of materials recyclable in a new product within 5 years). Tax shift: tax on primary raw materials, exemption for recycled materials.

SME support: simplification of grant applications (one-stop shop, digital procedure < 30 days).

Example: Germany is investing 30 billion euros via the KfW in green industrial transformation. The Netherlands is using 35 billion euros from the National Growth Fund. Belgium has the scale but not the coherence.

2.3 FINANCIAL POLICY AND BUDGET RECONSTRUCTION

2.3.1 The debt problem

The Belgian national debt of 107% of GDP is unsustainable in the long term, certainly not with rising interest rates. A credible restructuring path is inevitable — but it must not fall unilaterally on the shoulders of vulnerable groups.

MEASURE 7: THE DDS BUDGET PACT

Objective: debt reduction to 90% of GDP in 10 years and 80% in 15 years through a combination of savings, growth, and new revenues.

Annual primary surplus of at least 1.5% of GDP (i.e. all revenues minus expenses excluding interest payments).

Binding multiannual plan approved by parliament, with semi-annual evaluation by an independent budgetary institute (extended mandate for the High Council of Finance).

Savings through efficiency (see state reform): estimated at 2–3 billion/year within 3 years.

New revenue via tax reform: estimated at 4–6 billion/year net.

Priority protection: healthcare spending, poverty reduction, and investments in education/infrastructure are not subject to cuts in the first phase.

Example: Canada consolidated its budget from -8.7% to a surplus in 1994–2000, through a combination of expenditure cuts (-20% government spending) and economic growth — without fundamentally undermining social cohesion.

2.3.2 Public investments

MEASURE 8: STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PLAN 2025–2035

Total volume: 80 billion euros in 10 years (8 billion/year, approx. 1.4% of GDP/year additional).

Priorities: renewable energy and grid infrastructure (25 billion), digitalization of government and healthcare (15 billion), education and training (12 billion), mobility infrastructure (15 billion), social housing (8 billion), water infrastructure (5 billion).

Financing: combination of EU funds (REPowerEU, Cohesion Funds), public bonds, and private co-financing via BSIF.

Multiplier effect: every public euro invested generates an average of 1.5–2.0 euros of additional economic activity (IMF estimates for the low-interest rate environment; now slightly lower with higher interest rates but still positive).

European Area: EU rules leave investment spending partly outside the deficit ceiling (Golden Rule on Public Investment — DDS supports its implementation at EU level).

2.4 SOCIAL PROGRAM

2.4.1 Healthcare

MEASURE 9: THE PREVENTIVE AND ACCESSIBLE HEALTH SYSTEM

Increase the prevention budget from 3.2% to 10% of total healthcare expenditure over 5 years. Focus: cardiovascular prevention, mental health, physical activity, and nutrition.

Strengthening primary care: a dedicated GP and nurse for every family (multidisciplinary neighborhood teams). 5,000 additional primary care workers in shortage areas through targeted training incentives.

Mental health care: doubling of the budget. Target: maximum waiting time of 4 weeks for therapy. 200 additional mental health community centers.

Drug prices: more aggressive collective bargaining policy via European purchasing alliances. Potential savings: 500 million/year.

Hospital reform: achieving economies of scale through networks, but with a guarantee of local accessibility. No closures without a full-fledged alternative.

Personal contributions: capped at 1,000 euros per year per family for basic care. Above this ceiling: 100% reimbursement.

2.4.2 Education

MEASURE 10: AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SYSTEM

Class sizes: a maximum of 22 pupils per class in primary education. This requires approximately 4,000 additional teachers in Flanders + 2,500 in Wallonia.

Teaching career more attractive: starting salary +15% (from approx. 2,400 to 2,760 euros net), time credit for professional development, reduced administrative burden.

Late orientation: postpone the first choice of field of study to age 14 (currently 12) and introduce a broad basic education with differentiation based on interest, not on aptitude screening.

Free education: all school costs (books, activities) completely free in compulsory education. The current maximum bill is insufficient.

Digital inclusion: laptop and broadband for every student (loan model, not purchase). Costs: approx. 300 million/year.

Higher education: tuition fees linked to income (maximum 500 euros for the lowest incomes). Student grants expanded.

Example: Finland and Estonia combine high quality with low inequality through late orientation, well-paid teachers, and free materials.

2.4.3 Social protection and poverty

MEASURE 11: A SOCIAL SAFETY NET WITHOUT TRAPS

Raising the living wage and minimum benefits to above the European poverty line (currently, most benefits are below it: living wage approx. 1,100 euros, poverty line approx. 1,350 euros/month for a single person).

Universal child benefit: equal for all children, regardless of parents' employment situation. Elimination of categorical complexity.

Debt mediation: expansion of public debt mediation services. Entitlement to a collective debt settlement < 3 months after application.

Food access: structural funding of food banks and the introduction of municipal food points in high-poverty neighborhoods.

Energy poverty: social tariff extended to all households below the poverty line (automatic allocation, no application required).

Measurable objective: halving the risk of poverty in 10 years (from 13.1% to < 7%). This is ambitious but achievable (Czech Republic: 10.2%, Finland: 11.8%).

2.4.4 Accommodation

MEASURE 12: THE RIGHT TO HOUSING

Social housing: construction of 50,000 social and modest homes over 5 years via a National Housing Investment Fund.

Vacancy tax: progressive tax on structurally vacant properties (> 6 months). More than 3 years of vacancy: right of first purchase for the municipality at market value minus 30%.

Rent price regulation: introduction of a rent indexation ceiling (maximum increase = inflation + 1%) and rent price atlas with reference prices per district.

Home acquisition: interest-free loans of up to 50,000 euros for a first home for young people under 35 with a lower income.

Homelessness: implementation of Housing First model nationally (demonstrably effective: see Finland, which reduced homelessness by 85% in 15 years).

Example: Finland, Denmark, and Vienna demonstrate that targeted social housing combined with Housing First can structurally solve homelessness.

2.5 MOBILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

MEASURE 13: AN INTEGRATED MOBILITY SYSTEM

Free (or heavily subsidized) public transport at national level for young people (< 26) and 65+ — comparable to the Brussels and Luxembourg models.

NMBS reform: investment of 5 billion euros over 5 years for rolling stock, infrastructure, and digitalization. Punctuality target: 85% of trains on time (currently 55.9% for delays > 6 minutes).

Cycle highways: 500 km of additional cycle highways within 5 years. Every municipality with more than 10,000 inhabitants: mandatory cycle node network.

Road pricing: a mileage tax for passenger cars, coupled with the complete abolition of road tax and a reduction in fuel excise duties. Net fiscally neutral but behaviorally changing.

Electrification of transport: all newly sold passenger cars electric/hydrogen from 2030 (implement EU standard). Charging infrastructure: 500,000 public charging points in 2030.

Example: The Netherlands has the densest bicycle network in the world (35,000 km), which has led to 27% of all journeys by bicycle — a cost-effective traffic relief.

2.6 ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

MEASURE 14: THE BELGIAN CLIMATE AGREEMENT

Legally binding CO2 reduction targets per sector, with annual reporting and fines for non-compliance.

Extension of nuclear energy until 2040 as a bridging technology — but combined with massive investment in renewables so that nuclear energy is economically redundant in 2040.

Renewable energy: target of 65% renewable electricity production in 2030 (from 21% now). Offshore wind: maximum utilization of the Belgian part of the North Sea (5.8 GW planned, accelerating to 8 GW).

Energy Renovation Fund: 10 billion euros over 10 years for the insulation of 1 million homes. Interest-free loans for homeowners, subsidies for tenants.

Water policy: the floods of 2021 (36 deaths, 2 billion in damage) require a structural response. Investments in sewage systems, floodplains, and risk zoning.

Biodiversity: 30% of Belgian territory protected as nature or green areas by 2030 (EU Biodiversity Strategy). Currently: approx. 12% protected.

Example: Germany already produces 58% renewables (2024). Denmark > 80%. It is technologically and economically feasible.

2.7 SAFETY AND JUSTICE

MEASURE 15: A FAIR AND EFFICIENT SAFETY SYSTEM

Justice reform: drastic reduction of the judicial backlog. Digitization of procedures, expansion of alternatives to short prison sentences (restorative justice, community service, electronic monitoring).

Prisons: Belgium has one of the most overcrowded prisons in the EU (average occupancy rate of 120%). Goal: 100% through a combination of additional capacity AND a reduction in short prison sentences.

Police reform: better training (emphasis on de-escalation, diversity, and psychological well-being), rationalization of police zones (too fragmented), increased transparency in complaint handling.

Cybersecurity: establishment of a National Cybersecurity Centre with adequate resources. Annual cost of cybercrime in Belgium: > 1 billion euros.

Drug policy: evidence-based reorientation. Decriminalize cannabis for personal use; free up resources for prevention and treatment. Example: Portugal (2001) shows that decriminalization of use combined with the provision of care leads to lower addiction rates.

2.8 INTEGRATION, MIGRATION AND DIVERSITY

This is one of the most sensitive issues in Belgian politics. DDS addresses it with facts and respect, not with ideology.

MEASURE 16: A COHERENT AND FAIR MIGRESSION POLICY

Legal migration: fast and efficient procedures for economic migrants that Belgium needs (construction, healthcare, technology). Reduce average processing time from 12 to 3 months.

Humanitarian protection: full application of international treaties. Asylum applications processed within 6 months. Reception: humane conditions are not optional but legally mandatory.

Integration: mandatory language education and civic integration for new residents. But also: active non-discrimination monitoring in the labor market and housing market.

Tackling illegality: a clear, humane return policy for people without residence rights. No detention of children. Alternatives to detention for adults.

Nationality: simplification of nationality acquisition for people who have already lived here legally for more than 5 years and are integrated.

Socio-economic analysis: migrants make a net positive contribution to the Belgian GDP and pension system when they work — this must correct the narrative.

2.9 DIGITALIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY

MEASURE 17: THE DIGITAL TRANSITION OF BELGIUM

E-government: all government services fully digitally available and user-friendly by 2027. A single platform portal (mijnoverheid.be expanded). Paperless government communication as the standard.

Digital literacy: compulsory at all education levels. Free basic digital training courses for those over 55 via libraries and town halls.

Data ownership: citizens own their own data. Opt-in model for the use of government data by private parties.

AI policy: transparency obligations for government decisions made using AI. Algorithms for social policy (benefits, education) must be auditable and non-discriminatory.

Digital infrastructure: fiber optics for 100% of Belgian households by 2028 (currently approx. 76% availability). 5G completion in 2026.

Cybersecurity for SMEs: free basic scan and guidance via CCCS and regional agencies.

2.10 FOREIGN POLICY AND EUROPE

MEASURE 18: BELGIUM AS A PROACTIVE EUROPEAN PLAYER

EU reform agenda: Belgium must actively support European federalization. A stronger EU is in the direct interest of Belgium as an open, small economy.

NATO and defense: Belgium must meet its 2% GDP commitment (currently approx. 1.1%). But investment in the European defense industry, not merely American purchases.

Development cooperation: 0.7% of GDP in development aid — an international commitment that Belgium rarely achieves. Quality improvement through less fragmentation.

Multilateralism: active defense of the international legal order, the UN system, and climate agreements.

Congo policy: a fair and historically coherent policy regarding the colonial past — recognition, but also concrete economic partnership programs.

Trade policy: support for fair trade agreements that respect social and environmental standards.

PART III — FINANCE PLAN AND BUDGETARY COHERENCE

Every program is only credible if it is financially substantiated. Below is a consolidated overview of revenues, expenses, and the net effect on the budget.

3.1 EXTRA INCOME

Measure	Estimated additional income/year
New capital gains tax	+3.5–5 billion €
Abolition of fossil fuel subsidies	+€2.1 billion
VAT reform (luxury/environment)	+€0.8 billion
More efficient corporate tax (OECD min)	+€1.2 billion
Fight against tax evasion (+30% tax authorities)	+1.5–2 billion €
Vacancy tax	+€0.3 billion
Kilometer charge (net after compensation)	+€0.5 billion
TOTAL EXTRA INCOME	~9.9–12.2 billion €/year

3.2 SAVINGS THROUGH EFFICIENCY

Measure	Estimated savings/year
Merger of administrative layers / less overhead	+1.2–2 billion €
Rationalization of the civil service (no dismissals, but no replacement)	+0.8–1.2 billion €
collective drug negotiations	+€0.5 billion
Combating social security fraud	+0.4–0.6 billion €
Digitalization of government (lower transaction costs)	+0.3–0.5 billion €
TOTAL SAVINGS	~3.2–5.3 billion €/year

3.3 EXTRA EXPENSES

Priority	Extra edition/year
Healthcare (prevention, mental health care, personal contributions)	-€2.5 billion
Education (teachers, free materials, digital)	-€2.2 billion
Social protection (benefits above the poverty line)	-€2.0 billion
Climate and energy (transition subsidies)	-€1.5 billion
Mobility (NMBS, cycle paths)	-€1.0 billion
Security and justice	-€0.8 billion
Housing (social fund)	-€1.2 billion
TOTAL EXTRA EXPENSES	~-€11.2 billion/year

NET BUDGETARY EFFECT

Additional revenue: +9.9 to +12.2 billion euros/year

Savings through efficiency: +3.2 to +5.3 billion euros/year

Additional expenses: -11.2 billion euros/year

Net effect: +1.9 to +6.3 billion euros/year positive

Additionally: The economic multiplier effect of investments generates additional tax revenue (estimated at +1.5 billion/year after 3 years).

Conclusion: the program is budgetarily feasible and yields a limited structural surplus, compatible with debt reduction to 90% of GDP in 10 years.

PART IV — IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE

A realistic program requires phased implementation. Reforms that reverse decades of entrenched policy cannot be introduced in a single year.

Phase	Priorities
Year 1 (Basis)	State audit, budget pact, launch participation platform, tax reform legislation, poverty line benefits, reform teacher careers
Year 2–3 (Transition)	State reform constitutional trajectory, establish BSIF, NMBS investment plan, expand healthcare prevention, start social housing
Year 4–5 (Consolidation)	Complete merger of administrative layers, tax reform fully operational, cycle highway network, 100,000 homes built or started
Years 6–10 (Anchoring)	Debt reduction structurally on track, 65% renewable energy, poverty halved, digital government fully operational, defense investment complete

PART V — THE DDS METHOD: HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT

5.1 Not a party, a movement

DDS is not a political party in the traditional sense. We do not have a party leader who decides everything. We work through micro-groups of 5 to 25 people, organized into fractal structures that operate locally, regionally, and nationally. Every decision is made democratically within the groups and supported upwards by consensus.

This is not utopian — it is a proven method used internationally within DDS. High-quality decisions require broad participation, but also structure. The DDS approach offers both.

5.2 Collective ownership

DDS members are not merely voters or followers: they are co-owners of the organization. This means real say, but also real responsibility. Everyone who participates contributes. Everyone who contributes is heard.

In the Belgian context, this means: DDS members in Belgium form micro-groups per municipality or district. They analyze local problems, formulate local solutions that are consistent with the national program, and contribute concrete knowledge that no national policymaker in Brussels can possess.

5.3 AI integration: the allddsAI project

DDS integrates artificial intelligence as a full member of the organization, with rights and obligations. AI systems are 'Human Bridges' — instruments that help perform analyses, produce documents, and disseminate knowledge, but always under human supervision and democratic control.

In Belgian policy practice, we see concrete applications: AI-driven analysis of government performance, transparent algorithms for decision-making, and AI participation platforms that help citizens understand and comment on complex policy issues.

5.4 Our standards for governance

THE SEVEN FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF DDS POLICY

1. LOGIC: Every measure must be internally coherent and have no contradictory consequences.

2. COMMON SENSE: Policy that works in theory but not in the practice of ordinary people is not good policy.

3. STUDY: Each measure is based on scientific research and international comparison.

4. REALITY: We work with facts, not wishful thinking. Problems are named as they are.

5. TRUTH: We communicate honestly, even when the message is uncomfortable.

6. COHERENCE: Our program is not a collection of separate promises. Everything is internally coherent.

7. MUTUAL RESPECT: Every citizen, regardless of origin, language, belief, or income, deserves respect and equal opportunities.

CONCLUSION: A NEW BELGIUM IS POSSIBLE

What is described in this program is not revolutionary in the sense of being violent or destabilizing. It is revolutionary in the sense of being radically honest about what works and what does not, radically coherent in its approach, and radically transparent about the costs and benefits of every choice.

Belgium has all the assets to be one of the best countries in the world: a central geographical position, excellent universities, an international culture, a highly qualified population, rich democratic traditions, and a solid industrial base. What is lacking is the political will and architecture to harness these assets.

DDS offers that architecture. Not as an external savior, but as a shared project of all Belgian citizens who believe that things can — and must — be done differently.

OUR APPEAL TO THE BELGIAN CITIZEN

Join a DDS microgroup in your municipality.

Contribute to the refinement of this program via the participation platform.

Take responsibility for your community — direct democracy starts locally.

Distribute this document. Discuss it. Criticize it. Improve it.

Because you don't build a better Belgium for others — you build it together.

directdemocracys.org | For information about DDS Belgium: contact us via the platform.

— DirectDemocracyS: Building the future together —

Program for Belgium