The Left MEP Marc Botenga said his group’s proposal to halve MEPs’ salaries would bring them “down to earth” and make it easier for them to “realise what a normal European is going through”.
Botenga believes many MEPs are only “stressed about their own privilege”. He argues that the way people live “influences the way you vote and the kind of proposals you make”.
MEPs currently receive a monthly salary of €8,800, while The Left’s proposal would reduce it to €4,400.
Faced with allegations of populism, Botenga argues that the European Parliament is used to discussing “anything”. However, when it comes to MEPs’ “own privileges, their own salaries”, he laments that the issue cannot even be discussed.