Citing German Chancellor salaries are too low, Challenger Merkel criticized

Frankfurt - German chancellor candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) Peer Steinbrueck criticized because German Chancellor commented that the salary is too low. Steinbrueck is the challenger Angela Merkel in next year's elections.

"A German chancellor did not get (income) is sufficient based on the required performance compared to the work of others a lower level of responsibility but get paid more," said Steinbrueck (65) as reported by the newspaper Frankfurt Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung. Steinbrueck who was known to speak bluntly, during the last 3 years of income earned 1.25 million euros ($ 16 billion) as the speaker in 89 after-dinner event.

"Almost all the directors of the bank in North-Rhine Westphalia (state in Germany-red) earn more than the chancellor," said former finance minister, who lost to Merkel in the 2009 election and this, as reported by Reuters on Sunday (30/12 / 2012).

Merkel salary will increase 930 euros (USD 11.8 million) per month to 17,106 euros (USD 218 million) in 2013 along with a raise of his ministers and members of parliament. This increase was criticized a number of people as the wrong signal in the era of austerity such as today.

Opinion Steinbrueck criticized by Schroeder, chancellor period 1998-2005, although he supported Steinbrueck challenge Merkel in the upcoming election.

"In my view, politicians in Germany receive adequate compensation," he said.

"I can always live off my salary. And anyone who did not feel it was enough salary can always find another job," he added.

Criticism also came from fellow separtai Steinbrueck. Dieter Wiefelspuetz, SPD member of parliament, said that politicians had lost when they compare their salaries with income professionals in private industry.

"Serving as the chancellor is attractive employment and the pay is certainly not bad," he said.

Steinbrueck is seen as the best hope of the center-left to win back the Chancellery. He was popular as a former Finance Minister genuine and he is expected to siphon votes.

But he was not free of controversy, such as the extraordinary income from after-dinner speeches over the past three years, and the latest statement about the chancellor's salary.

Steinbrueck also struggling to reap the women voters, who are troubled with aggressive style. "Merkel popular as 'bonus lady' he got," Steinbrueck said.