Georges-Louis Bouchez supports daily check-ins for Belgian unemployed

Georges-Louis Bouchez, president of the MR party, has expressed support for reinstating daily check-ins for unemployed individuals in Belgium. He argues that such a measure would help combat fraud, specifically noting that some individuals receive social benefits while living abroad for several months of the year.

Regarding political salaries, Bouchez suggested that rather than simply cutting pay, the number of politicians should be reduced by two-thirds. He argued that the remaining officials should be well-compensated to maintain the attractiveness of the role, given the high level of responsibility involved.

Historically, daily check-ins were mandatory in Belgium from 1936 until their abolition in 2005. Currently, the National Employment Office (ONEM) states that while claimants must reside effectively in Belgium, they are permitted to be abroad for up to 24 days per year.