The members of the Bundestag can look forward to a huge increase in diets. From July they will rise by six percent. The reason for this is a decision from 2014.
It is the strongest increase in almost 30 years: In line with wage developments, the 734 members of the Bundestag will receive six percent higher diets as of July 1st. The MP’s compensation then increases by 635.50 to 11,227.20 euros per month. This emerges from a briefing from Bundestag President Bärbel Bas. At the same time, parliamentary pensions are also increasing.
According to the Members of Parliament Act, the basis is the development of the nominal wage index, which, according to the Federal Statistical Office, has increased by 6.0 percent. As a result of the automatic linkage decided in 2014, MPs’ salaries – and MPs’ pensions – will also increase at the same rate. According to the Taxpayers’ Association, there has not been such a strong increase since 1995. The monthly MP compensation is adjusted annually on July 1st.
Members’ diets are adjusted annually based on the nominal wage development as of July 1st and are subject to income tax. In addition to this amount, there is a tax-free allowance as part of the so-called official equipment. It is currently 5,051.54 euros per month. The MPs have to cover all expenses from this, such as a constituency office or a second home in Berlin.
Criticism of the diet increase came from the left. The increase is the highest in almost 30 years, said Left party leader Janine Wissler – and this at a time when cuts in citizens’ benefits and social cuts are being discussed.
“The Bundestag refuses an appropriate minimum wage increase to 15 euros, but gives the MPs a big drink from the bottle.” Wissler criticized that a suspension of the increase in diets would also have been appropriate given the tight state budget.
Source: Stern
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