Federal deputies receive a lump sum for operating costs in addition to their salary, which is historically explained but raises questions of disguised over-salary. A comparison of parliamentary remuneration and benefits reveals that the federal parliamentary indemnity in Belgium is average compared to neighboring countries. However, parliamentary assemblies in Belgium are reflecting on a more just way to use their funds following several cases of illegal pensions and clerk scandals. Some parties see opportunities to overhaul the remuneration of deputies in these reflections. A federal deputy’s salary in Belgium is currently €8,472.16 gross per month, along with holiday pay and an end-of-year bonus. Deductions include a 8.5% pension contribution, taxes, and contributions to their political party. MPs who do not regularly attend meetings are required to pay a certain percentage as well. The article is reserved for subscribers only.
In addition to their salary, federal deputies have a lump sum for their operating costs. Which can be explained historically, but is none other than a disguised over-salary and raises questions. Small comparison of parliamentary remuneration and benefits between Belgium and neighboring countries.
By Martine Dubuisson
SShocked by various cases (known as the clerk in the Walloon Parliament, illegal pensions in the Chamber), our parliamentary assemblies reflect on their functioning and the (more just) way to use their funds. And some parties see in these reflections (in office and in the governance committee) in the federal Parliament, the opportunity to overhaul the remuneration of deputies. Because, here too, we can question ourselves in certain respects…
In Belgium, knowing that a reduction of 5% has been applied since 2012, the salary of a federal deputy is now set at 8,472.16 euros per month, gross. To which are added a holiday pay and an end-of-year bonus. And from which are deducted 8.5% of pension contribution, tax of course, and the retrocession of each elected to his party. Even a certain percentage if the MP is not regular enough at the meetings.
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In conclusion, while the federal parliamentary indemnity in Belgium may be considered average compared to neighboring countries, questions still arise regarding its transparency and fairness. The recent scandals regarding the misuse of parliamentary funds have led to a necessary reflection on the functioning of our parliamentary assemblies and the way their funds are used. As some parties consider overhauling the remuneration of deputies, we can only hope for a more just and accountable system in the future.
