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Government aid for Brussels business owners
During a meeting on Wednesday between the Brussels government and the social partners, several measures were put forward to provide emergency relief to businesses suffering from the effects of the March terror attacks in the capital. These include a free public transport pass for tourists, a budget of €400,000 to boost security in concert and event halls and a platform to provide financial aid to companies, writes De Morgen.
"An exceptional situation calls for exceptional measures," said minister-president Rudi Vervoort after a news conference, referring to a temporary waiver of the hotel tax and €5 million in aid for companies on the verge of bankruptcy due to the recent attacks.
Economy minister Didier Gosuin credited two organisations in particular for making the financial aid possible: the Brussels Guarantee Fund and the Brussels Regional Investment Company (BRIC).
Struggling small businesses are eligible for €20,000, and larger companies for up to €200,000.
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I love "social partners". With partners like this, who needs enemies?
Not sure why tourists will receive free public transport passes. This sounds like a scam for lots of people saying they are tourists. Who will supervise it, who will determine who is who, and why tourists?
Free public transport to tourists? How will this help if there is no tourist? First and foremost, the government should take effective measures to protect its citizens from terrorism, and this message should be communicated constantly to the public both nationally and internationally to bring back the feeling of safe and secured. Secondly, small businesses in Horeca are already struggling with the high social security contribution by the employer, couple with the impact of Paris attack last year and if, this downturn in tourism number continues for next few months majority of businesses will close in Bruges. So, instead of free transport passes and hotel tax waiver they should address the broader issue to bring back the confidence and also to ensure long term sustainability.