Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-12-05-Speech-4-140"
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"en.20021205.3.4-140"2
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".
My party, the Socialist Party in the Netherlands, is in favour of a scheme whereby all MEPs would receive the same monthly income of, for example, EUR 2 000, only the essential expenses they actually incurred would be reimbursed, MEPs would pay taxes in their countries of residence, as is normal, and they would not enjoy any legal privileges denied to other citizens. Members of any parliament are not elected to give undue preference to themselves, but to represent the electorate. In response to the criticism of preferential treatment, a statute for MEPs was discussed in 1998 and in 2002. Such a statute is a good thing if it puts an end to privileges and excessive incomes, and ends all opportunities to pad out these incomes by taking advantage of the system to reimburse expenses. Unfortunately, some MEPs speak in favour of such a statute in order to validate and enhance their benefits. A few years ago, I was astounded to hear Mr Rothley and many Members say, during an exploratory debate in the Committee on Legal Affairs and the Internal Market, that it is beneath their dignity not to have a maximum income. Today, the two largest groups are trying to force this very contentious report through without any discussion or amendment, and to end the exploration of any better alternatives, maybe even in the hope that the Council will turn down such a statute."@en1
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