Retired Lawmakers of Greek Parliament claim increases of €80 million

There are times when we are simply speechless…Then it seems that some people have not heard that Greece has been bailout, that we live on borrowed money. And thus these people are former lawmakers, among them possible ex-ministers responsible for the economic crisis! While the majority of Greeks ties further the economic belt, 850 retired members of Parliament claim retrospectively wage increases amounting more than 80 million euros! In individual cases the amount could be more than 250,000 euros for the former lawmaker.

The claims are based on a law that wants MP’s salaries to follow wage increases in the Supreme Court – something that had not happened in recent years. The claims refer to the years 2003-2007.

 

It has not been clear when the submittions were made but according to news coming from the Parliamentary Committee on Institutions and Transparency there are 800 to 850 cases of retired Parliament members who demand this huge amount of money.

 

In recent past a court had decided in favor of a claimer and ex-member of the Parliament, following another court decision in favor of Supreme Court judges to receive wage increases retrospectively.

 

Meanwhile, active members of the Greek Parliament have unanimously agreed not to pursue wages increases. Had they allowed themselves increases, I don’t want to even think about the people’s reactions… nowadays when every working citizen faces wages and pension cuts and unemployment. 

 

Members of the Greek Parliament secure pension rights after being elected in two legislative periods.