The decision was cross-party: the Union and SPD, along with the other parliamentary groups, voted for the suspension. They responded to the “difficult economic and financial situation,” as stated in the draft law from the Union and SPD, which was unanimously adopted by all factions.
By forgoing the regular increase, parliamentarians aim to send a signal of solidarity. Salaries last rose on July 1; the next adjustment would have regularly amounted to 497 euros gross per month in July.
The debate over the level of lawmakers’ pay has accompanied the Bundestag for years. Critics regularly call for linking it to general wage developments, while supporters point to the independence of the mandate. The current suspension is limited to this year.
Source: www.zeit.de
