E. German Politicos Living High on Hog
East German politicians now folded into the unified Parliament and Chancellor Helmut Kohl’s Cabinet will be earning salaries undreamed of under communism.
There are 144 former East German deputies in Parliament--which began its real work in Bonn on Friday after the ceremonial opening in Berlin--and five Cabinet members.
Parliament members get basic pay of 14,938 deutsche marks a month, which at current exchange rates is equivalent to $9,763.
Former East German Prime Minister Lother de Maiziere and four others became ministers without portfolio, meaning the basic parliamentary deputy’s allowance plus 20,134 deutsche marks, or $13,160, a month in ministerial salary.
That amounts to 35,072 deutsche marks, or $22,932 a month, plus a home, personal aide, secretary and chauffeured limousine.
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