Short talk

(Government) Debt & Punishment – Modern myths about government spending and budget deficits

“The money has run out.”
“We need to cut back to grow.”
“We are living beyond our means.”

But are these statements really true? Much of what we think we know about national debts and deficits is actually based on myths, simplifications, and false analogies that are ritually repeated in public debate. These notions also feature prominently in the new European budgetary rules, which will force Belgium and other member states to make significant cuts in the coming years, putting intelligent social, international, and climate-oriented policies under pressure.

In this talk, Hielke Van Doorslaer delves deeper into some of these modern fables and offer an alternative perspective on the necessity and (in)sense of national debts and austerity measures.

This session will be in Dutch

With the support of

When: 11h00
Where: Bol zaal
Speaker: Hielke Van Doorslaer

 

 

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Forward Fest 2024 invites you to join the conversation, share your perspective, and collaborate with others to build a future that is fair, inclusive, and interconnected. Explore, learn, and contribute to the change our world needs.

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Prepare for a day filled with inspiring lectures, surprising workshops, and professional connections that will not only stimulate your thinking but also touch your heart. This is your chance to learn from leading thinkers, network with like-minded individuals, and actively contribute to a more just world.

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Who organizes Forward Fest?

Forward Fest is organized by 11.11.11ngo-federation and VLIR-UOS in collaboration with MO* with the support of Belgian development cooperation.

11.11.11

THE COALITION FOR INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY.

11.11.11 aims to eradicate exploitation from the world. Everyone – anywhere in the world – has the right to a dignified existence. To truly make a change, power and resources must be distributed more fairly, and the current system must be questioned.

More info on 11.be

NGO-FEDERATIE

FLEMISH FEDERATION OF NGOS FOR DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION.

The ngo-federation represents its members to the federal and other governments, supports the members in their discussions with those governments, promotes cooperation within the sector, and strengthens the quality of NGOs’ operations.

More info on ngo-federatie.be

VLIR-UOS

INNOVATIVE RESPONSES TO GLOBAL AND LOCAL CHALLENGES

VLIR-UOS supports partnerships and scholarships between universities and colleges in both Flanders and the Global South, seeking innovative solutions for global as well as local challenges.

More info on vliruos.be