MPs refuse to lower salaries
Only one other person supported a move by Alpes-Maritime MP Lionnel Luca, who said they should take a 10% cut
MPs have refused to lower their salaries, following a proposal by an Alpes-Maritimes MP.
Lionnel Luca had presented the idea of a 10% pay cut as an amendment to the 2012 budget law.
Mr Luca, who estimates the measure would have saved €5 million, believes it shows solidarity with the public at a time when extra sacrifices are being asked of people due to the economic difficulties.
It comes in the context of the new “austerity” measures announced recently.
However, only Mr Luca and one colleague, Chantal Brunel (Seine-et-Marne), voted in favour of it.
He has now said he will apply it to his own salary anyway.
Socialist MP Jean Launay described the proposal as “being just for show, a gimmick”, and said MPs’ salaries were at a set rate, pegged to those of senior civil servants.
He suggested Mr Luca give up his second salary as deputy president of the Alpes-Maritimes council instead.
Budget Minister Valérie Pécresse said that in line with government policy there would be no cuts to people’s income next year; in fact civil servants’ pay will go up 3%.
Ms Brunel said she supported the plan so as to “set an example and show solidarity with the French people”.
Another amendment, voting a 3% cut in the running budget for the National Assembly, went through.
An MP’s salary is €7,100 gross per month.
