A fresh dispute has emerged within Germany's ruling coalition over the automatic pay increase for Bundestag members, scheduled for July 1. The center-left Social Democrats (SPD) and the opposition Left Party are calling for the raise to be scrapped, citing the country's economic challenges.

Official statistics show that inflation in Germany stood at 2.9% in April 2026. Prices for basic goods like coffee and eggs have risen by at least 14% compared to 2020, while heating oil and other fuels have surged by over 20%. Some 58% of German households report being in saving mode.

However, the senior coalition partner, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), argues the pay rise should go ahead as planned. CDU parliamentary leader Jens Spahn told public broadcaster ARD that "in principle, we should stick with this mechanism," noting that the automatic system works better than before 2014, when lawmakers set their own raises.

Left Party co-chair Heidi Reichinnek countered that lawmakers "earn enough" and should respect the situation of ordinary Germans. If implemented, the base monthly salary of Bundestag members before tax would increase from €11,833 to €12,330.

In a separate incident, a German tourist on the Greek island of Kos successfully sued his travel agent for €986 in compensation after the hotel's pre-booking system for pool and sunbathing spots forced him to wake up at 6 a.m. daily to secure space for his family. The issue reportedly affects travelers of all nationalities.

Source: www.dw.com