Increase in senators’ allowances in a context of crisis.
In a country like Argentina, where poverty is increasing by leaps and bounds and the salaries of white-collar workers barely cover basic needs, the news that senators have increased their allowances is not only indecent, but deeply insulting. This salary increase, which many consider excessive, reflects an alarming disconnect between the political class and the reality faced by the majority of the population. While 40% of Argentines live below the poverty line and retirement and pensions are miserable, the representatives of the people in the Senate seem to live in a bubble of privilege, oblivious to the hardships of their compatriots.
Comparing the allowances of Argentine senators with those of their peers in other countries such as the United States and Spain reveals a gap that is difficult to justify. In the United States, a senator earns a base salary of around 174,000 dollars per year, while in Spain a senator receives approximately 45,000 euros per year. In Argentina, with the latest increase, the allowances of senators are close to 10,000 official dollars per month, which, annualized, would be 130,000 official dollars. Although the cost of living and economic circumstances are different, the ratio between the salary of a senator and that of an average worker in Argentina is outrageously high compared to these countries. This situation becomes even more critical when one considers that inflation rates and the devaluation of the peso daily erode the purchasing power of most Argentines, while senators shield themselves with salary adjustments that do not reflect the shared sacrifice they proclaim.
The timing of this increase also deserves a thorough analysis. Argentina is going through an economic crisis that has exacerbated social discontent. High levels of poverty, lack of decent employment, and stagnant wages create a breeding ground for popular indignation. In this context, the increase in parliamentary allowances is not only inopportune, but can also be interpreted as a provocation by those who feel abandoned by their representatives. The policy of automatic salary adjustments in Congress, justified under the argument of maintaining the purchasing power of legislators, contrasts sharply with the reality of millions of Argentines who see their income deteriorate without receiving adequate compensation.
This salary increase in the Senate is not only an economic issue, but also an ethical and moral issue. In times of crisis, when the population is asked to make sacrifices, it is imperative that those who hold public office lead by example. The decision to increase allowances in this context reflects a lack of empathy and solidarity that does not go unnoticed by society. It is an action that undermines confidence in democratic institutions and fuels the perception that some politicians are more interested in their personal well-being than in the well-being of the nation.
An eventual reduction in the salaries of senators, voted in an act of contrition by the Chamber, could be seen as a symbolic gesture towards reconciliation with the people. However, it should not be just a gesture, but the beginning of a deeper reflection on the role of representatives and their responsibility to society. The reduction in allowances should be accompanied by a real commitment to work for the common good, focusing on policies that alleviate poverty, improve pensions and salaries, and promote a fairer distribution of wealth. Only in this way will it be possible to restore confidence and rebuild the link between the political class and the citizens, a link that is dangerously weakened today.
Former deputy in the City Legislature for two terms, he was president of the Argentine Society of Writers (SADE) and is currently president of the Party of Cities in Action.
Source: Ambito
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