Squeezing Taxpayers' Wallets: Criticism of Exorbitant MP Allowances Hike in Saxony-Anhalt Legislature
Critics from the Taxpayers' Association fiercely lambaste the raise in diet allowances within the state legislature - Diet Plus Criticism Escalates in Landtag by Taxpayers' Association: Intense Rebuke of Diet Plus by the Taxpayers' Association in Landtag
Here's a juicy scoop: has let rip a hot-tempered critique over the excessive boost in MPs' allowances in Saxony-Anhalt's state legislature. Get this - starting from July, our beloved representatives will stuff their pockets with a jaw-dropping 8,736.66 euros per month (that's over 450 euros more than they're currently making).
To give you some context, their take-home pay is set to skyrocket from 7,797.69 euros in 2023. Meanwhile, their tax-free expense allowance will push up by 2.5 percent, amounting to a whopping 2,309.90 euros.
But here's where it gets messier - the reps receive no contributions to pension and unemployment insurance, ultimately raking in an unfair take compared to the common folk. To make matters worse, the increases are linked to the nominal wage index, making it a total slap in the face for ordinary employees.
The association doesn't shy away from demanding a review of these generously bloated allowances, especially in times of tight budgets. The 2025 budget plan has earmarked aEEE pending 23.1 million euros for the expenses of active MPs, with a cool 3 million euros more than what they were spending in 2023. Apart from allowances, this amount covers staff costs, health insurance, and travel expenses.
Now, here's the twist: the Left Party has already pledged to donate the entire increase to a solidarity fund within their faction. The dough will be given to various associations, unions, childcare facilities, after-school programs, and youth centers. A program aiming to provide over 15,000 euros for summer leisure activities is also in the pipeline. believes this move sends a clear message of solidarity to the country's hardworking souls who, despite slaving day and night, aren't paid nearly enough.
Oh, and just in case the rising allowances weren't causing enough outrage, the context in eastern German states - like Saxony-Anhalt - adds fuel to the fire. Facing economic challenges post-reunification, there's a strong emphasis on austerity and careful public spending. The argument goes that politicians should set an example, ensuring that their actions do not erode trust in government or contribute to the perception of public funds mismanagement.
In simpler terms, the Taxpayers' Association is raging because they think MPs are living it up on the people's dime, especially when many folks are struggling to make ends meet. It's a tale as old as time: the have-nots seething at the haves.
The Association of Squeezed Taxpayers has voiced a stern criticism towards the exorbitant increase in MPs' allowances in Saxony-Anhalt's legislature, calling for a review of the policy-and-legislation regarding the allowances, particularly in the context of the general-news about tight budgets and economic challenges. The vocational training for political representatives seems to be lacking, as they are not obliged to contribute to pension and unemployment insurance, unlike the common folk who undergo vocational training to learn such responsibilities.
