As of: March 14, 2024, 1:45 p.m
By: Nils Hinsberger
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At six percent, the diets of members of the Bundestag are set to rise more than ever before.
Wagenknecht considers this unacceptable – traffic light parties react irritated.
Berlin – The salaries of members of the German Bundestag are expected to rise significantly by the middle of the year.
Around 635.50 euros, to be exact.
This emerges from calculations by the Taxpayers' Association (BdSt).
While some members of the Bundestag are happy about the salary increase, others react with criticism.
Sahra Wagenknecht, the ex-leftist and chairwoman of her new party, the Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), considers the diet increase to be unacceptable at this time.
The BdSt also considers the increase to be problematic and is calling for the automatic salary adjustment to be abolished.
Others believe the debate about payments to members of the Bundestag is exaggerated.
When asked by
IPPEN.MEDIA,
some parties shared their views on the planned increase in diets - and why it may even be justified.
“Damages trust” – Wagenknecht calls for a zero round of diet increases for MPs
In an interview with the
Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung,
Wagenknecht did not hold back in criticizing the planned increase in diet.
“The planned diet increase of over 600 euros is disproportionate and further damages trust in democracy and parliament,” said the ex-leftist.
This year, Wagenknecht is calling for a “zero round” for all members of the Bundestag.
Sahra Wagenknecht, party leader of the “Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht - for Reason and Justice”, considers a diet increase to be “completely wrong”.
© Kay Nietfeld/dpa
Citizens are deeply dissatisfied with the traffic light coalition.
In addition, the economy in Germany is in bad shape and rising inflation is causing fears about money among the population.
To put it into perspective: According to information from the
Tagesschau
, the inflation rate fell in February to its lowest level since June 2021.
Nevertheless, concerns and fears remain among the population.
Under these circumstances, increasing diets would be “completely wrong,” said Wagenknecht.
The FDP and the Greens cannot understand criticism of the increase in diets
“The Basic Law stipulates in Article 48 Paragraph 3 Sentence 1 that members of parliament are entitled to appropriate compensation that ensures their independence,” said FDP member of the Bundestag Torsten Herbst when asked by
IPPEN.MEDIA
.
The amount of the diet depends on the current nominal wage index, a size that reflects the development of gross wages in Germany.
This has risen sharply due to rising salaries in various industries and the increase in diet is therefore justified.
According to a press release from the Federal Statistical Office, the nominal wage index rose to twelve euros primarily “due to payments of the inflation compensation bonus” and the minimum wage increase.
Real wages, on the other hand, rose by only 0.1 percent, which is due to the continued high prices.
Nevertheless, the increase is legitimate, especially because the zero round demanded by Wagenknecht had already taken place in 2020, said Herbst.
In addition, salaries were reduced in 2021.
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Because the salaries for members of the Bundestag are linked to the nominal wage index, a mechanism is already in place to “avoid ongoing discussions about diet issues,” a spokeswoman for the Green Party said upon request.
It is possible that diets can rise and fall, which is a useful instrument.
However, the Greens are open to any adjustments.
“Exceptions are possible and we have already supported them.”
(nhi)