The Belgian government has decided to increase taxes on several products over two years in order to restore public finances to balance.
The government voted for a two-year hike in taxes on diesel, alcohol, soft drinks and tobacco with a view to returning public finances to balance. As of January 1, 2016, the price of tobacco will increase in Belgium. At term, the pack of cigarettes should increase by 70 cents.
The Belgian Government explained that it had guaranteed budgetary trajectory »Which should allow the country to regain balance in 2018. Savings in the operation of State services (for 550 million euros), by a return to 21% of the VAT rate on electricity ( reduced to 6% in 2013), or an increase in taxes on diesel, tobacco, alcohol and soft drinks, should bring in 700 million euros in 2016.
Source : france3-regions
