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Belgian royal family spending to be cut by 2 pct

Xinhua, November 18, 2015 Adjust font size:

Public spending on the Belgian royal family will be reduced by 2 percent in 2016, with almost half of the budget being spent on security, Belgian newspaper group Sudpresse reported Wednesday.

Next year's budget for the Belgian monarchy will be 35.8 million euros (about 38.2 million U.S. dollars) -- a cost saving of 743,000 euros (793,000 U.S. dollars) compared with 2015, the paper said.

About 45 percent of the budget, or 15.6 million euros, is for the federal police force, which is responsible for protecting members of the royal family and royal buildings.

Sudpresse added special armored vehicles would be hired to escort the monarchy on their official duties. The spending decision was made because Belgium this week increased its security threat level from 2 to 3 (out of a possible 4) following the Paris terror attacks.

The allowances paid to the royal family to cover their cost of living will remain unchanged compared with 2015, the report said, at 11.5 million euros. Enditem