Taxpayer pays political parties over 60 million euros a year

The N-VA's political grant is based on the number of parliamentarians that it got elected to the federal and regional parliaments.

As a result of the 25 May poll the Flemish nationalist's grant grew by 4.2 million euros. Researchers at Leuven University believe that the party could have 43 million euros in its party coffers by 2019. This treasure trove would put the nationalists at a massive financial advantage compared to all other political parties.

There are only minor changes to the political grants received by most other parties. The far right Vlaams Belang loses 2.5 million euros.

In all the Belgian taxpayer is funding political parties to the tune of 60.8 million euros a year. The figure is up 4 million on the year.

The N-VA has increased its financial reserves from 8.45 million euros in 2010 to 18.39 million euros last year, but with 18.8 million euros the Francophone socialist party PS is even richer.

Belgian political parties are now reliant on the taxpayer for 80% of their revenue.