German Bundestag spends €1.5 million on new smartphones and tablets

In 2025 members of the German Bundestag ordered 670 new mobile devices—smartphones and tablets—at a total cost of roughly €1.5 million.

The purchases included former members who are no longer in office, and some legislators received multiple devices; four tablets and eight smartphones were reimbursed for ex‑members, while 80 current members each ordered five or more devices, with a few receiving up to nine.

Bundestag President Julia Klöckner confirmed the reimbursements and said the spending has drawn criticism because it is funded by taxpayers, whose monthly allowance for each member is €11,833.47.

Critics argue the expense is excessive given the high price of modern devices and question the use of public funds for personal technology upgrades.