The Arizona government is proposing to exempt companies from employer contributions on very high salaries. The result: €65 million less for social security in 2026, and €150 million in 2027. Beyond the obvious injustice – with the wealthiest contributing less – this proposal once again weakens our social security, under the pretext that it hampers business competitiveness and reduces workers' purchasing power.

Yet lowering employer contributions guarantees neither jobs nor fairer wages. What sustains the local economy are healthy citizens, strong public services, and sufficient demand.

As for our purchasing power, if we only look at our payslip, we might think social security reduces it. But income means little without considering mandatory expenses. Today, the gross cost of a straightforward, complication-free childbirth ranges from €3,000 to €4,500. What do we pay? Between €100 and €400… Without our social security system, giving birth would be a luxury even a higher net salary couldn’t cover. And while not everyone will give birth, everyone will need healthcare.

By continuously eroding our social security, it’s citizens – including those in Etterbeek – who pay the price.

Because yes, we are richer together.