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.