High workload & threats: Dutch gov’t urged to hike politicians’ salaries by up to 18%
In recent years, politicians from aldermen to Ministers’ workloads have increased, as has the complexity of the issues they deal with and threats and intimidation they face. But their wages have lagged behind. The Advisory Board on the Legal Status of Political Officeholders (ARPA), therefore, urged the new Dutch government to significantly hike politicians’ salaries by between 10 and 18 percent over three years, AD reports.
Due to few recent increases, politicians' salaries are now out of balance compared to those of civil servants. For example, the highest-ranking official of a Ministry, the Secretary-General, currently earns €1,000 gross per month more than a Minister. The Secertary-General monthly salary is €17,332 per month gross, compared to €16,220 for the Minister.
The advisory group, led by D66 luminary Alexander Rinooy Kan, points out that the Minister is the person ultimately responsible for the political affairs of a Ministry. Generally, that should also mean the highest salary in the Ministry.
ARPA suggests an 18 percent increase for mayors, aldermen, and municipal council members in the larger municipalities, spread over three years. In smaller municipalities, council members should get a 10 percent raise. This group has already received additional compensation in recent years for the additional responsibilities municipalities have taken on.
The advisory group also advocates for a total increase of 15 percent for Ministers and 12 percent for State Secretaries.
Because issues have become more complex, politicians must meet higher citizen expectations, ARPA said in its report. The role of a politician has also become more demanding on a personal level. “Political officials are more visible and report more intimidation,” ARPA wrote.
The body also advised improving other employment conditions for politicians. Their working conditions “no longer align well with practice.” Ultimately, a political office is a job for the person holding it, but politicians don’t enjoy the same job security and employment benefits as other workers. The body recommended several measures to keep the job attractive and offer more dismissal protection, such as a “right to return” for politicians to their previous employers.
ARPA delivered the report to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations. It will likely only be addressed after the new Cabinet is sworn in on February 23.
