Nearly 20,000 euros paid to MPs not re-elected on Sunday

(ADW) A Luxembourg member of parliament receives a monthly salary of 6,594 euros, half of which is tax free, as well as so-called "congé politique" compensation (for those that have another profession).

However, did you know that if they are not re-elected to parliament on Sunday, they also receive a large severance package?

Among the 60 MPs who currently hold a seat in parliament, several of them will be penalised following the parliamentary elections on October 20.

However, losing a parliamentary seat is not all bad as the MP receives a severance pay amounting to 19,782.22 euros, or three times the monthly parliamentary salary which is 6,594.22 euros.

This severance pay, however, is a one-off payment during a politician's career when losing a seat in the Chambre des Députés. This means if they are re-elected and then lose their seat for a second time, they are not entitled to this payment again.

What does a Luxembourg member of parliament earn?

An MP receives 6594.22 euros per month. A fixed portion of this, 3387.03 euros, is taxable. The remaining 3.207.19 euros are not taxable.

Added to this are the “ jetons de présence”, an amount of money received by every member for each plenary meeting they attend in the Chamber of Deputies . This “token” is currently set at 116.28 euros. To earn this, the member must participate in all votes. Half of the amount of “ jetons de présence” is taxable.

An MP who also has another profession, such as doctor, lawyer etc, or is a student, or is looking for work, enjoys a "congé politique", or time off from their work for political duties. This amounts to 4,610.46 euros and is paid to employers in the case of private sector employees.

Self-employed MPs get to keep the sum, while public sector employees who are also MPs receive an amount that corresponds to 60 percent of their final salary.

MPs who are parents are also entitled to a maximum family allowance of 523.66 euros.

But it is not all about receiving money as MPs have to give some back. According to political party convention decisions, each MP must pay a fixed percentage of their salary to their political party.