Entschadigungsleistungen an Abgeordnete des Deutschen Bundestages. Bewertung und Fortentwicklung der Reform vom 1. Januar 2008

In: Zeitschrift für Parlamentsfragen: ZParl, Band 39, Heft 2, S. 233-248

Abstract

The compensation benefits reform for members of the German Bundestag of January 1, 2008 has once again raised the question of legitimacy & appropriateness of these benefits as a central topic of public discussion. However, the provision benefits as well as the departmental interior allowance remain in need of reform in order to fulfill their compensatory function & to meet demands for a transparent regulation. The progressive adjustment of remunerations for MPs' compensation in relation to elected limited-term magistrates (kommunale Wahlbeamter auf Zeit) & (simple) federal judges is -- considering the MPs' position in constitutional law -- appropriate in terms of article 48 (3) of the Basic Law. Thus, the origin of public criticism lies not in the amount of the remuneration as such, but is mainly concerned with the design of the procedure & a basic mistrust toward a "self-service" attitude among MPs. Therefore, the implementation of compensation indexation according to the general development of income would be sensible. In doing so, the Bundestag could at least partially be released from the "curse of self-decision.". Adapted from the source document.