Report on increased ministerial salaries ‘good basis for discussion’ – AD

Alternattiva Demokratika has described a report drawn up by the Ombudsman, the Auditor General and the Chief Electoral Commissioner into remuneration for holders of political office, as a good basis for discussion.

The report, entitled “Recommended Remuneration Mechanism for Holders of Political Office”, concerns proposals for the remuneration to be paid to holders of political office but also for the reform of the House of Representatives.

Green Party chairperson Arnold Cassola said that AD representatives had met with the authors of the report which he said includes a number of AD's proposals.

Cassola noted that the report took board a pledge from the party's 2013 electoral manifesto proposing full-time MPs.

Carmel Cacopardo, AD deputy chairperson, said that it was essential that MPs take up a full-time role "as this is the only way in which they can carry out their primary duty, that of holding government to account."

Cacopardo added that the report also refers to another AD proposal, on the need for parliament to operate during family friendly hours. "It is necessary to debate the report in its entirety. It is not acceptable to pick and choose from the proposals submitted."

Proposals put forward by a committee appointed by the government would see MPs, Cabinet members, the President, the Prime Minister, the leader of the Opposition and the Speaker receiving a hefty pay rise.

The proposals - presented to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in December 2013 - would see the PM receiving a yearly salary of €94,975, an increase of €44,699 over his current basic pay. The President would receive €95,000, a 68.7% increase over the current salary. 

The Leader of the Opposition will see an increase in salary from €42,232 to €71,469.