Controversy as Italian Parliaments' Salaries are the Highest of Europe
The Italian Parliaments, in terms of salaries, are the highest of Europe. This is what emerges from the dossier edited by Istat, the Institute of Statistics, which published a lengthy study on the comparison between the salaries of Italian MPs and those of other EU states. A dossier, put online on the site of the Ministry of Civil Service, immediately raised controversy and distinction from politicians. Once again, the fear of the truth. Some have had the courage to say that their after tax salary would actually be lower than that of European counterparts! According to the study Italian MP earn more than 16.000 euros gross per month, against 13,500 of the French, 12,600 Germans and 4,600 Spaniards.
In detail, the gross monthly salary of an Italian deputy parliamentary allowance consists of 11,283.3 euros gross, plus a daily allowance of Euro 3503.1, 1331.7 euros for transport, EUR 258.2 for telephone charges and 41.7 euros for the computer equipment. This is without counting the amounts for direct employees, belonging to the representation expenses and additional amounts to 3,690 euros per month.
The salaries of senators are on the similar level. In addition, our MPs travel free on trains, planes, ships and highways throughout the Italian territory, a privilege not provided for elected representatives in other European countries, where there are refunds or cards with a spending limit. Not to mention the free tickets for theater and cinema, stadium and other state and local places.
If the contribution for employees is not so high as their European colleagues, what is lacking seriously in the political system, as in many other Italian companies, is the control system. Indeed there is no accountability if and how effectively the amount for the employees to whom it may actually go. We know, for sure, because employees are often exploited and underpaid. Another difference is between those who live far from Rome, and who, for various reasons, live there permanently. It makes no sense a per diem equal for everyone, since not all have the same standard of living. Some people staying in religious houses, and keeps everything save, and those staying in hotels in the historical center. Taking into account that the trip did not pay him anything, and the cost of food in the House and Senate restaurants are ridiculously low (2 euros for a plate of pasta and meat), the allowance is only for the accommodation.
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