Parliamentary Vote on Controversial Education Decree Postponed Amid Protests in Wallonia-Brussels
The Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation has postponed a crucial vote on 'program decree II' following fifteen hours of intense debate and significant opposition. The decree, proposed by the MR-Engagés government led by Elisabeth Degryse, includes controversial measures such as increasing full school tuition fees from 835 to 1,194 euros for most students and raising the teaching workload for upper secondary staff without salary adjustments. Tensions escalated both inside and outside the legislature, with students protesting fee hikes and teachers conducting demonstrations in Liège. The Socialist Party (PS) opposed the bill, citing a lack of consultation and logistical unpreparedness highlighted by the Higher Council of Study Allowances, which warned that the Directorate of Study Allowances lacks sufficient staff to handle the expected surge in applications. Consequently, the vote was delayed to allow for a Council of State opinion on amendments submitted by the PS. While the government maintains that consultation occurred and decisions are necessary for budgetary reasons, the opposition describes the process as rushed and undemocratic, reflecting deepening strains within the federation's education sector.
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Parliamentary Vote on Controversial Education Decree Postponed Amid Protests in Wallonia-Brussels
The Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation has postponed a crucial vote on 'program decree II' following fifteen hours of intense debate and significant opposition. The decree, proposed by the MR-Engagés government led by Elisabeth Degryse, includes controversial measures such as increasing full school tuition fees from 835 to 1,194 euros for most students and raising the teaching workload for upper secondary staff without salary adjustments. Tensions escalated both inside and outside the legislature, with students protesting fee hikes and teachers conducting demonstrations in Liège. The Socialist Party (PS) opposed the bill, citing a lack of consultation and logistical unpreparedness highlighted by the Higher Council of Study Allowances, which warned that the Directorate of Study Allowances lacks sufficient staff to handle the expected surge in applications. Consequently, the vote was delayed to allow for a Council of State opinion on amendments submitted by the PS. While the government maintains that consultation occurred and decisions are necessary for budgetary reasons, the opposition describes the process as rushed and undemocratic, reflecting deepening strains within the federation's education sector.
Le Soir