A broad majority in the Danish Parliament (Folketinget) has approved a pay raise for future politicians, a decision that has sparked criticism from several parties. The Unity List (Enhedslisten) and the Danish People’s Party (Dansk Folkeparti) have both labeled the move a “wrong signal” to the Danish people.

The agreement, which excludes the Unity List, the Danish People’s Party, and the Denmark Democrats (Danmarksdemokraterne), will increase the annual salary of members of parliament from 948,000 kroner to 1.08 million kroner.

Despite the salary increase, the new agreement includes worsened pension terms and a reduced severance period. While these changes have been welcomed by opposition parties, concerns remain about the overall implications of the pay raise.

Pelle Dragsted, political spokesperson for the Unity List, questioned the logic behind increasing salaries while simultaneously abolishing what he considered unreasonable privileges. He suggested that unreasonable privileges should simply be eliminated without providing a “consolation prize” in the form of higher pay.

Morten Messerschmidt, chairman of the Danish People’s Party, expressed concerns about the impact on social cohesion and public trust in politicians. He worried that the decision could lead to the perception that politicians are in Parliament for personal gain rather than for the benefit of Denmark.

The Unity List advocates for a significant reduction in parliamentary salaries, with its members only retaining an amount equivalent to the average salary of a Danish Metal member in Copenhagen (437,354 kroner in 2022/23), while the remainder is contributed to the party. Dragsted considers this a fair salary for all politicians.

Messerschmidt believes the current salary level is appropriate and sees no justification for an increase. He suggested that a reduction in parliamentary salaries would have been a more suitable approach.

According to a press release from the Parliament, the reform of politicians’ terms will ultimately result in annual savings of 90 million kroner once fully implemented in 2090, representing a 20 percent reduction in current costs. The Parliament maintains that this agreement significantly reduces politicians’ total lifetime income.