Parliament to address MP double salary issue

Parliament has decided to evaluate and adjust the legislation regarding the salaries of government officials. It will also address the issue regrading the fact that members of parliament receive a state salary in addition to their MP salary. The bills are expected to be finished and ready for discussion within the next two months.

Melvin Bouva, acting chairman of parliament, pointed out that the intentions and the course of action regarding the issue has already been discussed internally and unanimously with all of the factions that were present. He also pointed out that the political parties that are advocating more solidarity with the rest of the nation are simply kicking in a door that was already open.

“We had already discussed this at the last session and if some factions are claiming that they will take the initiative I can only label that as political rabblerousing,” Bouva told Times of Suriname. Legislators also want to formulate legislation on solidarity tax for the biggest earners within the government. Parliament would have to determine which salary groups would have to pay solidarity tax. A special committee has been tasked with preparing the legislation. Bouva explained that these steps are the response to the public’s discontent and the urgent need for adjusting outdated legislation. He pointed out that since 2015 10% of the salary of legislators is deducted for taxes. MPs start receiving their pension when they turn 55. “In the past they were entitled to a pension immediately after having served two terms in office.That is no longer the case. This measure has saved the government a lot of money.” President Bouterse recently announced that he would freeze the salary hike for his team of ministers. Current legislation reportedly entitles ministers to a raise whenever the state employees get one.