Critics Slam Huge Hike in MP Allowances in Saxony-Anhalt's State Parliament
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Here's a lowdown on the issue at hand: Following a significant boost in MPs' allowances in Saxony-Anhalt's state parliament, the Taxpayers' Association has unleashed a barrage of criticism. "The outrageous increase results in hefty additional costs for taxpayers," the organization snarled.
Beginning July, MPs can expect a hefty payday. Their monthly allowance skyrockets by more than 450 euros to 8,736.66 euros, as per the state parliament's administration. This translates to a whopping 1,000 euros increase compared to 2023 (7,797.69 euros), and the tax-free expenses allowance is set to balloon by 2.5 percent to 2,309.90 euros.
"Ridiculous compared to regular joe employees"
The association lashed out at the fact that MPs evade pension and unemployment insurance contributions, thereby pocketing undue perks. Coupling allowances with the nominal wage index seems ludicrous in the context of a regular Jane or Joe.
"Especially in tough financial times, these generous allowances deserve a thorough review and the automatic increase should be scrapped," the Taxpayers' Association barked. In the 2025 budget, over 23.1 million euros are earmarked for active MP expenses - almost three million euros more than in 2023. This figure encompasses allowances as well as costs for staff, health insurance, and business trips.
The Left party had previously declared in May that they'd donate the entire increase to a solidarity fund of the faction. The funds would fund associations, clubs, kindergartens, after-school care facilities, youth and leisure centers, and establish a donation program of over 15,000 euros for summer holidays' recreational activities. "In times of crisis, inflating allowances send out the wrong message to the hardworking people toiling day-in and day-out, who still aren't making ends meet," said faction leader Eva von Angern.
- Taxpayers' Association
- State Parliament
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Allowances
Insights:
- The average gross annual salary for employees in Saxony-Anhalt is roughly 24,282 euros as of 2025. This discrepancy between MP allowances and average worker earnings could raise eyebrows regarding political remuneration and public sentiment.
- The hike in MPs' allowances impacts the state's budget, financed by taxpayers. If substantial, this could spur public concern about the efficient use of taxpayers' money, particularly if average incomes continue to remain low or stagnant.
- The growing disparity between MPs' compensation and that of the average worker in the region might intensify perceptions of inequality or detachment between politicians and their constituents' economic realities.
- Given the significant increase in MPs' allowances in Saxony-Anhalt's state parliament, the Taxpayers' Association has called for a reevaluation of the policy-and-legislation surrounding MP remuneration, especially in light of the general-news about tough financial times and the widening gap between MPs' earnings and those of regular employees.
- In the midst of the criticism over the hike in MP allowances in Saxony-Anhalt's state parliament, discussions about vocational training for the general populace might be relegated, despite its crucial role in empowering the community and reducing income inequality, as per recent policy-and-legislation and political debates on politics.
