Belgian Carers: Dermagne Criticises MR & Engagés’ Response to Unemployment Reform

Brussels – A growing political dispute in Belgium is focusing attention on the precarious situation of informal carers, individuals who dedicate themselves to looking after family members with disabilities without holding formal employment. The debate centers on the potential loss of unemployment benefits for these carers as a result of a broader reform of the country’s employment system, scheduled to take effect in 2026.

The impending changes to unemployment regulations are expected to impact approximately 200,000 Belgians, and a significant number of those affected are likely to be informal carers. Concerns are mounting that these individuals will be forced to rely on the country’s public social assistance programs (CPAS), potentially leading to increased financial hardship. Several organizations, numbering around fifty, have been urging the government to suspend the reforms as they apply to carers, pending the establishment of a dedicated legal status for them.

The issue has ignited a political firestorm, with accusations of insensitivity leveled against members of the governing coalition. Pierre-Yves Dermagne, the leader of the Socialist (PS) group in the Chamber of Representatives, sharply criticized deputies from the MR and Engagés parties for what he described as a “tearful” and “indecent” response to the crisis. Dermagne accused them of belatedly expressing concern only after repeated appeals from the PS, family leagues, and carer associations had been ignored by Employment Minister Denis Ducarme (MR). “Since May, we have been questioning Minister Clarinval (MR) about these exclusions,” Dermagne stated, adding that the minister had indicated that carer status would not be considered grounds for exemption from the new regulations.

The controversy comes as the Belgian government navigates a period of significant labor unrest. Recent weeks have seen widespread protests and a three-day general strike over proposed changes to the social security system, including reforms to pensions and unemployment benefits. The conflict represents a fundamental challenge to the Belgian social model, with the government attempting to dismantle key pillars of the welfare state, while unions fight to preserve them. A historical precedent exists for successful labor action in Belgium, including a general ban on nighttime work between 8 p.m. And 6 a.m.

While a broad consensus appears to be emerging on the need to protect informal carers, disagreement persists over the best approach. The MR party has proposed strengthening a temporary measure that would exempt carers from the obligation to actively seek employment, coupled with a structural allowance equivalent to their current income. Engagés party president Yvan Verougstraete has called for “urgent solutions” and “rights adapted to the reality of families,” emphasizing the need for a swift resolution, though he did not endorse the MR’s proposed exemption.

The federal ministers Rob Beenders (Handicap) and Frank Vandenbroucke (Santé) have jointly advocated for a temporary exemption from the time limitations on unemployment benefits for recognized carers. This exemption would be based on the presentation of a certificate from a health insurance fund, a practice already in place for certain other social benefits. This proposal aligns with a petition that has garnered nearly 15,000 signatures, calling for the protection of carers’ access to unemployment benefits until a more permanent solution is found.

A legislative proposal put forward by the Socialist party seeks an exception to the time limits on unemployment benefits specifically for individuals officially recognized as carers by a health insurance fund. The proposal is scheduled for consideration by the Chamber of Representatives in the near future. The debate highlights the broader challenges facing Belgium as it attempts to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to protect vulnerable populations.

The issue of carers’ rights is not limited to the French-speaking part of Belgium. In Flanders, informal carers have also voiced alarm over the potential loss of unemployment benefits, with six recognized carer organizations raising concerns and calling for a robust financial safety net. This underscores the nationwide scope of the problem and the urgent need for a comprehensive solution.

The government is expected to address the issue at a restricted cabinet meeting – a “kern” – on Friday, February 7th, 2026. The outcome of this meeting will be crucial in determining the future of informal carers in Belgium and the broader direction of the country’s social welfare policies. The situation also comes amid broader government actions that have drawn criticism from the opposition, including what the PS alleges is a dismantling of the status of artists.