Bundestag's Diet Allowance Bump Under Fire - Left Party's Harsh Critique
Government Justifies Proposed Diabetes Rate Hike in Face of Left Party's Criticism - Opposition alliance justifies proposed raise in benefits - Criticism from the Left Party emerges
Right now, the so-called Member's Allowance is sitting pretty at €11,227 a month, gross. By law, this bad boy gets a boost every year on July 1st, thanks to the Nominal Wage Index, which measures average wage growth in Germany. But, as everyone knows, getting an increase based on nominal wages doesn't account for the actual purchasing power compared to overall price rises - that's where the Real Wage Index comes into play.
Last year, nominal wages in Deutschland jumped by a whopping 5.4% compared to 2023, according to the Federal Statistical Office. Consequently, Members of the Bundestag are due an upgrade to their snack allowance to €11,833 a month, that's if the parliament gives the thumbs up on Thursday. And let's not forget, our elected representatives also pocket a staffing allowance and a flat rate.
"We're not deciding our own snack allowance hike, and that's bloody brilliant," said SPD big-shot Wiese. SPD coalition manager Steffen Bilger (CDU) was in agreement with Wiese. The coalition justifies this system, “It saves us the bother of arguing about the amount every year.”
The Left Party won't be voting yes on the diet allowance hike, and they're not holding back their opinions. Co-faction leader Sören Pellmann considers the proposed figure as excessive, calling for an immediate halt to the automatic increase. With inflation and surging prices for goods like groceries, energy, and rent, "there couldn't be a worse time for a freakin' raise," snorts Pellmann. He's demanding a roll-call vote.
Should the boost receive a green light in the Bundestag, the Left Party will discuss where the funds will go, said co-faction leader Heidi Reichinnek. "We'll have a chat within the faction about what to do with the extra cash. Possible uses could be our faction association or supporting local initiatives," hinted Reichinneck. Pellmann pointed out that the Left Party has historically donated additional income from the diet allowance.
Money Matters
Heidi Reichinnek
Sören Pellmann
Germany
Federal Statistical Office
Rheinische Post
Members of the Bundestag
Dirk Wiese
SPD
Diet Allowance
Bundestag
The Left
- The Left Party, critical of the proposed increase in the Bundestag's Diet Allowance, finds the suggested figure excessive, especially given the current inflation and rising costs of essential goods like groceries, energy, and rent, and has demanded a roll-call vote on the matter.
- Should the Diet Allowance hike receive approval in the Bundestag, the Left Party plans to discuss potential uses for the extra funds, such as supporting their faction association or local initiatives, while also noting their historical practice of donating additional income from the Diet Allowance.
