Criticisms Over Eye-Watering Hikes in Parliamentarians' Allowances in Saxony-Anhalt
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The Taxpayers' Association has launched a scathing attack on the skyrocketing increases in the allowances for members of the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament. "The excessive increases place a massive strain on taxpayers," the association sternly declared.
Starting from July, state parliamentarians will be entitled to an significantly boosted income. Their monthly allowance jumps over 450 euros to 8,736.66 euros, as per the state parliament's administration. The Taxpayers' Association even points out an increase of close to 1,000 euros compared to the projected allowances in 2023 (7,797.69 euros). The tax-free living allowance will also surge by 2.5 percent to 2,309.90 euros.
"Distorted compared to regular workers"
The association slammed the lack of parity between parliamentarians and regular workers, as the latter contribute to pension and unemployment funds despite the parliamentarians receiving disproportionate benefits. Moreover, linking the allowances to the Consumer Price Index is considered unfair vis-a-vis regular workers.
"During stretched budgets, it's high time to review and abandon the automatic increase for these hefty allowances," urged the Taxpayers' Association. The planned budget for 2025 allocates approximately 23.1 million euros for members' expenses - about three million euros more than the 2023 budget. This total includes not only allowances but also expenses such as staffing, medical insurance, and travel costs.
Left intends to set an empathetic gesture
In May, the Left party revealed intentions to donate the entire increase to a solidarity fund within their faction. Funds will be allocated to charities, children's centers, after school programs, youth centers, and recreational establishments. Faction leader Eva von Angern stated, "In turbulent times, inflating allowances sets the wrong tone for the hardworking individuals and families earning abysmally low wages."
- Taxpayers' Association
- State Parliament
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Allowances
Insights
While the exact figures for the increase in allowances for Saxony-Anhalt state parliament members are not explicitly found, it is customary in German states that parliamentary members receive allowances that cover not only their basic income but also costs related to pension and insurance contributions.
Such increases can be a topic of controversy when they significantly outpace wage growth of ordinary employees, particularly in regions like Saxony-Anhalt where average wages are generally lower compared to western German states. At the same time, members of parliament may have separate pension schemes with different contribution rates and benefits compared to regular employees, leading to a more favorable social security position.
Reflux
State parliamentarians are set for a significant boost in their allowances, with the monthly allowance leaping over 450 euros and reaching 8,736.66 euros, as per the state parliament's administration. This substantial increase has led the Taxpayers' Association to express concerns, commenting that it unfairly burdens taxpayers. The Left party has demonstrated plans to donate the entire increase to a solidarity fund within their faction, to be used for charities and recreational establishments.
- The Taxpayers' Association believes that the community policy, in terms of the increase in allowances for Saxony-Anhalt state parliament members, is imbalanced, as it significantly surpasses the wage growth of ordinary employees.
- The debate around the rise in parliamentarians' allowances is particularly relevant in regions like Saxony-Anhalt, where average wages are lower compared to western German states.
- The Left party, in response to the controversy, has proposed to allocate the entire increase in their allowances to a solidarity fund, with the purpose of supporting charities, children's centers, after school programs, and recreational establishments.
