The Flemish Green party Groen (Belgian political party) has appointed Aimen Horch as its new leader. Born in Algeria, Horch used a recent interview to outline some of his political priorities, particularly regarding fossil oil and gas companies.

Horch argued that large oil and gas companies have benefited financially from geopolitical crises, especially conflicts in the Middle East, while consumers face rising energy costs. According to him, these companies have been “winning” for too long and should now contribute more financially.

To address this, he proposed a special tax on what he describes as “excess profits” — profits generated due to exceptional circumstances such as war or market disruptions rather than normal business activity.

Horch referred to the proposed levies as “Trump taxes,” arguing that American policies have contributed to global instability and tensions affecting energy markets. Critics interpret the label as reflecting a broader anti-American sentiment. The remark has also raised questions among opponents about how Horch positions himself regarding the Iranian ayatollah regime.

Energy companies such as TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil were mentioned as examples of firms that could be subject to the measure. Horch also criticized the fact that companies like TotalEnergies have received substantial public subsidies aimed at supporting their transition toward greener energy.

Under his proposal, these excess profits would be taxed at around 33%, with the revenues directed toward investments in renewable energy and the broader green transition.

My opinion

• Iranian regime

If I had to bluntly summarise the Iranian Ayatollah regime; I would go for nuclear proliferation, anti-semitism, extremism, authoritarianism, lapidations of women, mass executions of political opponents, old men marrying under age girls and imposing conservative dress codes on women.

These are the things that America intends to remove from the iranian equation… I hope

• Oil companies

Oil is effectively a cash cow for the Belgian state. The Belgian treasury is the big winner of rising oil prices.

Long before oil reaches the petrol station, it has already been heavily taxed. When Belgian consumers buy a liter of fuel, they pay substantial excise duties: about €0.84 per liter on petrol and €0.55 per liter on diesel.

On top of these excise duties, the Belgian state also charges 21% VAT on fuel purchases. In addition, motorists pay a small extra levy, known as the stock fund contribution, which helps finance strategic oil reserves.

Oil companies operating in Belgium also contribute through the standard corporate tax rate of 25% on net taxable profits if they have a permanent establishment in the country.

At the same time, these companies are responsible for maintaining strategic oil reserves and continue to invest and create employment in Belgium.

Oil companies should be careful about European left wing political parties that intend to blame them for all evil.