Thuringia Landtag debates halting automatic lawmaker salary rise

The BSW faction in the Thuringian Landtag has called for suspending the automatic annual increase of deputies' allowances, arguing that a 300‑euro rise cannot be justified given the current economic climate. Spokesperson Ralph Hutschenreuther said, "Given the present economic situation, I cannot tell people that, despite negative developments, a legislator should receive an automatic salary increase."

The automatic adjustment is mandated by the state constitution and has long been contested, especially by the Left party. Other parliamentary groups, including the SPD, CDU, Left and AfD, have expressed openness to a pause, but any change would require a two‑thirds majority in the parliament.