MPs have given themselves a pat on the back for a job well done for bringing the public finance deficit down, as they should receive a few hundred euros extra a month thanks to the special remuneration system that is linked to public finances.
Because the public deficit was dragged down to 4.6% of the GDP, instead of the planned zero point of 8%, MPs are set to receive an increase of around EUR 360 a month for next year. The system was proposed by the Freedom and Solidarity party (SaS), and works out at a year-on-year increase of almost 19%.
Not all MPs are rubbing their hands, though, with the ever controversial independent MP Igor Matovic calling for an outright freeze on MP salaries, especially at a time of belt-tightening, not to mention disgruntled teachers and doctors, who are protesting at their own inadequate salaries.
The SaS party, led by Richard Sulik, feels that the salaries should be increased as planned, while even finance minister Ivan Miklos thinks the increase is not justifiable under the current climate.