Coalition at odds over pay rises for MPs

In July, members of the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany’s parliament, are due to get an automatic pay raise that has long been granted to German civil servants in order to keep up with inflation.

However, junior coalition partners the Social Democrats (SPD) as well as the opposition left parties are calling for an end to the increase in view of the economic situation.

According to official figuresPrices have exploded across Germany and inflation was a staggering 2.9% in April 2026. The cost of basics like coffee and eggs has increased by at least 14% compared to 2020, and the cost of heating oil and other fuels has increased by at least 20%. About 58% of German households reported that they are currently in savings-mode.

However, senior coalition partner Christian Democrats (CDU) have argued that the wage increase should go ahead as planned.

“In principle, we should stick with this mechanism,” CDU parliamentary leader Jens Spahn told public broadcaster ARD on Thursday, adding that the automated system works better than before 2014, when lawmakers had to set their increases at a fixed amount.

Meanwhile, parliamentary co-chair of the Left Party, Heidi Reichneck, said lawmakers “earn enough” and should respect the situation of ordinary Germans.

The basic salary of Bundestag members before tax will rise from €11,833 per month to €12,330 ($14,500) per month on July 1.