Hessian CDU Bundestag member Wilhelm Gebhard has successfully pushed to suspend the automatic increase in MP allowances this year. The adjustment to the nominal wage index would have meant a gross increase of around 500 euros.
As early as March, Gebhard wrote to the faction leaders of the Union and SPD. He called for a law suspending the annual adjustment of the allowances. The SPD and his faction colleague Carsten Linnemann quickly backed the move.
Since the weekend, faction chairman Jens Spahn has also supported the initiative. The coalition must now quickly approve a corresponding law so the increase does not automatically take effect on July 1.
Gebhard expressed satisfaction with his monthly compensation of 11,833.47 euros gross. He stressed that he does not do the job for the money but as an idealist wanting to make a difference.
