Belgian lawmakers agreed Thursday to reduce their salaries by 5% this year to demonstrate their willingness to help give the austerity measures in a country facing a major budget deficit, Reuters. MPs decision came a few days after the new government of Belgium passed their salaries increase by 8%, contrary to promises 5% reduction in cost reduction plan. According to recent information available, the salaries of the new ministers were approved in a government session on 16 December 2011.
"Everyone should make an effort. MEPs show that concern them and that this part," said a spokeswoman for the Belgian Parliament.
Reuters says that, given that the annual salary of a Belgian parliamentarian is around 82,700 euros, members of both Houses of Parliament will give up about 170 euros per month.
Members of Parliament decision came a few days after the new government of Belgium passed their salaries increase by 8%, contrary to promises 5% reduction in cost reduction plan.
Under the new increases, annual salary of vice-prime ministers increased from 224,000 to 248,000 euros, one of the ministers from 220,000 to 238,000 euros, and the Secretaries of State from 210,000 to 227,000 euros. Belgian nationalists have already expressed anger towards the new measure.
The European Commission rejected the Belgian state budget on 2012, after the budget deficit calculated by the Commission does not match the one that sits Belgian authorities. Prime Minister Di Rupo team estimate for this year an increase of 0.8% and a deficit of 2.8% of GDP, while EC officials have calculated a deficit of 3.1%.
Belgium aims to save about 13 billion to bring its budget under 3% this year from 4.2% in 2011
