Diet hammer: Member of the Bundestag collect 606 euros more!

Diet hammer: Member of the Bundestag collect 606 euros more!

From July 1, 2025, the diets for members of the Bundestag are to be increased by 606 euros per month, which causes the monthly payments to almost 12,000 euros. According to Merkur the current diet is 11,227.20 euros. This increase takes place annually and is based on the nominal wage development, which is managed by automatism. This automatism was introduced in 2014 to avoid public debates on salary increases, but must be approved again after each federal election.

The decision to increase the diets met with massive criticism, in particular on the part of the opposition, including the AfD and the left, which question the mechanism and coupling to wage development. Union parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn (CDU) defends the existing mechanism as necessary in order to honor the importance of the MP.

background of the MP

The diets that are granted for their work go back to 1906 in Germany when the parliamentarians received compensation for their work. The term 'diets' is derived from the Latin "Dies" (day) and the medium -sized "Dieta" (daily wages). In the Weimar Republic and also after the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany, the right to compensation for membership was legally determined. The compensation for MPs has currently been 11,227.20 euros since July 1, 2024, which has been taxable since 1977, but are freed from pension contributions. For various other countries, the amount of the MPs' compensation varies significantly, such as Austria, where MPs receive 9,375 euros per month, or Switzerland, which pays an average of CHF 76,138 tax liability.

Another important element of the MPs' compensation is the tax -free flat rate, which is currently at EUR 5,349.58 per month and is intended to cover mandate -related expenses. In addition, MPs are entitled to receive up to 12,000 euros annually for office expenses in Berlin. Costs for train trips and domestic flights related to the mandate are also reimbursed, which creates a comprehensive financial framework for the MPs.

controversy around the diets

The topic of dieting is a sensitive: too low references could make members of parliament more vulnerable for bribes, while high diets can create considerable political headwinds. The legal foundations for the remuneration are clearly regulated, and the Basic Law ensures a claim to adequate compensation. As early as 1975, the Federal Constitutional Court decided that the compensation in the amount of the importance of the office must meet, which feeds the continuous discussion about the appropriateness of the MPs.

For further information on the compensation for MPs and its legal framework, a detailed Report of the Bundestag available.