New program for Belgium wins vote of confidence

Prime Minister Wilfried Martens's government, which took office last week, won a vote of confidence in the Belgian Chamber of Representatives. The Chamber voted 117 to 47, with 9 abstentions, for the government program worked out by the Social Christian and Socialist Parties. As a cornerstone of an economic recovery program, the government plans to discuss a two-year wage freeze, public spending cuts, and tax changes with unions and employers.