As inflation rises and the economy contracts, the ruling coalition is considering tax increases while simultaneously planning a salary hike for Bundestag members, which would raise their monthly pay from €11,833 to approximately €12,330 starting July 1. Critics, including members from the Green Party, Left Party, and SPD, argue that this increase is ill-timed given the public’s financial strain. In a rare show of unity, Bundestag members have expressed intentions to forgo this year’s raise, while discussions continue regarding the mechanism that ties their salaries to average wage growth, potentially leading to further increases in the future.