The World - News from March 27, 1986
The Belgian Senate gave the deficit-plagued Brussels coalition government the power to rule by decree in order to swiftly impose new austerity measures, boost the economy and cut public spending. The Senate vote was 101 to 74, with one abstention. The lower house had already approved the special powers. The center-right coalition led by Premier Wilfried Martens has promised not to raise taxes, meaning it will have to make deeper cuts in spending. Martens had ruled by decree during most of his preceding four-year term.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
