Prince Laurent wants to legally challenge the self-employed to access social security

by time news

Prince Laurent receives a​ donation of €388,000 ‍a year from the Belgian state. Almost €100,000 of this is ⁢supposed⁤ to be salary, and as a ⁤self-employed person he has to pay tax on that too. But this means he has‍ no access to ‌statutory social security for the ‌self-employed. And that‌ is not right, says his lawyer Olivier Rijckaert.

The trial or​ lawsuit of Prince⁣ Laurent ⁣is also ‍important ​for his wife,⁢ Princess Claire, because after the death of her husband⁤ she would have been left with almost no income and no social rights, according⁢ to the lawyer. Laurent has​ therefore filed his lawsuit⁤ against ‍the National​ Institute for Social Security of Self-Employed Persons (RSVZ), which the Prince did not accept 2 years ago.

According to ​the institute’s lawyers, Laurent works, but it cannot ⁢be assumed that the prince can be ‍considered a self-employed professional. A⁢ court decision is expected at the beginning of April.

How might the outcome⁣ of Prince Laurent’s case affect self-employed individuals in Belgium regarding their social security rights?

Interview: Examining the Legal Battle of Prince Laurent with Legal⁣ Expert ‌Olivier⁤ Rijckaert

Time.news ‌Editor⁤ (TNE): Thank‌ you for joining ⁤us today, Olivier Rijckaert, to ‌discuss the ⁢controversial legal battle of Prince Laurent regarding his employment ⁢status⁣ and financial ⁤situation. For our​ readers, could you briefly explain the background of Prince Laurent’s case?

Olivier ⁤Rijckaert (OR): ⁢Certainly! Prince Laurent of Belgium receives an annual donation from the Belgian ⁣state amounting to €388,000. Out of this, nearly‌ €100,000 ⁣is categorized as salary. However, he is classified as a self-employed individual, which subjects him to income​ tax but leaves him⁤ without ‍essential statutory social security benefits. This situation raises⁣ significant questions‍ about the fairness of the system.

TNE: That’s a substantial amount of money. What are the implications for Prince Laurent’s‌ family, especially his wife, Princess Claire?

OR: The implications are quite serious. According to Belgian law, if‍ Prince Laurent were to pass⁣ away, Princess Claire would find herself in a​ precarious financial position, with nearly no income and no social security rights. This scenario highlights the broader ​issue of how⁣ individuals classified as self-employed can lack safety nets that are critical in times of crisis.

TNE: Why did Prince⁤ Laurent decide to file his⁢ lawsuit against the⁢ National Institute for Social ⁢Security of Self-Employed Persons​ (RSVZ)?

OR: He filed the lawsuit ⁢due to the belief that he ⁣should not ⁢be ‌classified merely as ‌a self-employed​ individual, as that designation limits his access to necessary social security benefits. Prince Laurent ⁤contested this classification two years ago, aiming‍ for a court ruling⁣ to clarify his status and secure the‌ protections that self-employed professionals are entitled to.

TNE: There’s talk about a court decision expected in early April. What could the potential outcomes be, and how‌ might they set a precedent?

OR: The court’s decision could have significant ramifications. If it rules in favor of Prince Laurent, it ‌might acknowledge that certain roles—especially those ​related to public‍ figures—should ⁤offer​ more in terms of social security rights, regardless of employment classification. On the other hand, ‌if‍ the ruling goes against him, it may solidify the current system where self-employed individuals,⁤ including those ​in similar public roles, have limited⁣ access ‌to social protection.

TNE: What advice would you offer to ⁤individuals in‍ similar situations, especially self-employed professionals who might ​feel vulnerable?

OR: My advice would be to‌ seek clarity on your employment classification ‍and ⁣rights. It’s essential to understand how your financial arrangements interact with social security laws. Consulting a legal expert familiar with ​social security regulations can provide guidance tailored to your unique situation. Additionally, advocating for clearer rules surrounding the rights of self-employed⁤ individuals is ‌crucial in creating a more equitable system.

TNE: Thank you, Olivier. Your ‌insights into Prince Laurent’s case and⁣ the broader implications for self-employed individuals are invaluable. We‌ look forward to following the case as it unfolds and hearing more about the potential changes⁣ in ​social security laws in Belgium.

OR: Thank you for having me. It’s ‍an important discussion that we need to​ continue as ⁣we look toward more equitable socio-economic frameworks.

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