Deputies give themselves lavish pay hike

At a time when the public is being called to tighten belts and implement the government’s austerity plan, the President, government ministers and deputies decided to give themselves lavish pay increases. The decision was passed at the last minute during the House session before its summer recess. Earlier, the controversial bill cruised through a House Finance Committee closed-door session and was voted through the House plenum without debate.

The wage and benefits hike includes a pay rise for President Tassos Papadopoulos from CYP 47,500 to CYP 51,500, plus an additional 40% rise in his expenses.

House President Demetris Christofias benefited from a pay rise of nearly CYP 6,000.

Deputies and Ministers will see their expense allowance rise by 30% to CYP 12,000 per year, plus a standard CYP 400 per month or another CYP 5,000 each per year for travel expenses. They will also benefit from a 100% increase in their monthly allowance for secretarial services from CYP 300 to CYP 600, which amounts to another CYP 3,600 per year.

This all means the total cash being given to each deputy per annum, aside from their salaries, will amount to CYP 24,200.