On 1 May, Mouvement Réformateur (MR) marked Labour Day with a party Congress in Charleroi, Belgium, outlining its strong ambition to put work and responsibility back at the heart of public policy.
In his keynote speech, MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez emphasised a return to core values, calling for a society that rewards effort, restores dignity through work, and turns away from state dependency.
“Last 9 June, our fellow citizens made a clear and courageous choice: to put work back at the heart of our society. Work that must be better rewarded. Work in our schools, our communities, across every level of society. A choice that breaks with resignation and embraces liberal optimism. This is the society we are building: one where work is valued, where effort is recognised, and where dignity comes through participation,” said Bouchez.
Former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal addressed over 2,000 MR members as a special guest, making an uncompromising assessment of the state of the world and the responsibility of liberal democracies.
“What is happening in Ukraine goes beyond its borders. Democracy is being tested. Freedom is under attack. Europe is being provoked. Let's make Europe the continent of work, innovation and artificial intelligence. Progress is a responsibility,” said Attal.
The Congress featured a main panel discussion on employment, bringing together federal Minister of Employment, Economy and Agriculture David Clarinval and Wallonia’s Minister of Economy and Employment Pierre-Yves Jeholet.
Ministers shared the ambition to reintegrate each citizen in the job market by introducing specific policies for young people, the self-employed, so-called “flexi-jobs” and a far-reaching tax reform with a particular focus on SMEs.
A separate panel on education led by Stéphanie Cortisse MP outlined key education reforms focused on earlier language learning, better placement in special education, more inclusive classrooms, and addressing teacher shortages through career shifts and exchanges.
You can rewatch the Congress on YouTube or below.
Photo: MR