
Microfinance
Between Solidarity and Gain
Debate (in Dutch) on 18 April 2023
Experts Loïc De Cannière, Luc Haegemans, Koen Schoors, Leen Van den Neste and John Vanwynsberghe debate the role of microfinance in a prosperous country like Belgium.
Microfinance is a system that allows poor families and small entrepreneurs in need of money to borrow small amounts at an advantageous interest rate. Something similar already existed in the 17th century: the so-called ‘Mountains of Mercy’. Lessius was an ardent defender of this institution because it prevented usury.
Today, microfinance is well established in low-income countries, but it is also a channel for borrowing money in prosperous countries.
This debate (in Dutch) is part of our series on the big questions in society.

On Venus Street in Antwerp, the historic building of the Mount of Mercy is still standing. © Friedrich Tellberg (CC BY-SA 3.0)
More Big Questions at the Baroque Influencers city festival:
Solidarity, Immigration
& Social Class
lecture
Big Questions of Baroque Influencers
29 March 2023
Why shopping for our spirituality in all corners of the world can be a problem
lecture
Big Questions of Baroque Influencers
3 May 2023
How dangerous is the faith of the other?
lecture (in Dutch)
Big Questions of Baroque Influencers
9 May 2023
Date & Time
Tuesday 18 April 2023
8.00 – 9.30 p.m.
Location
University of Antwerp
Promotiezaal Grauwzusters
Lange Sint-Annastraat 7, 2000 Antwerpen
Registrations
Free entrance
Please register online
before Sunday 16 April 2023.