On 4 February, Mouvement Réformateur (MR) launched the electoral programme for the upcoming federal, local and European elections due to be held in Belgium this year. 

Over 1,500 members attended the party Congress held in the town of Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium, to highlight MR's commitment to farmers and agricultural communities. 

Under the slogan “The future is brighter”, members were illustrated with the programme by senior party representatives including Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval, former Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès and Florence Reuter, leader of MR’s list for the federal elections. 

🏟️ Un immense merci à nos 1.500 militants qui ont fait de ce congrès à Marche-en-Famenne un succès libéral !

🗳️ Porté par votre énergie, notre programme a été approuvé avec force.

🚜 La venue des jeunes agriculteurs a marqué cette journée. Nous sommes la seule formation… pic.twitter.com/Jw33dbHNOF

— MR (@MR_officiel) February 6, 2024

Among its priorities, the party commits to implementing a modern and efficient justice system, supporting sustainable agriculture to guarantee farmers' livelihoods, and pushing for strategic autonomy and the reindustrialisation of Europe. 

In a keynote speech, party leader Georges-Louis Bouchez highlighted the importance of giving a central role to all Belgian regions while emphasizing that expected change is justified and essential. 

Notre congrès débute en donnant la parole à des personnes essentielles. @GLBouchez : « Certains les voient comme des pollueurs. Nous nous les considérons comme celles et ceux qui nous nourrissent, qui répondent à des besoins essentiels.

Nous les soutenons dans leur combat et… pic.twitter.com/0dgoYu51Lc

— MR (@MR_officiel) February 4, 2024

“Our electoral programme is not a program for one legislature, but for two legislatures. There are immediate measures that will come into effect and others which will take more time […]: these improvements can only be achieved with a major change in mentality,” said Bouchez. 

“Today, there is a real aspiration for the liberal project. Because our project, in addition to being fair, beautiful, and a bearer of hope, is essential. So today, more than ever, be proud to be liberals.” 

You can rewatch Bouchez’s speech (in French) below.