The Junta de Andalucia has agreed that its MPs will not get their normal expenses during the present health crisis, because most aren’t travelling.

However the opposition party, Adelante Andalucía, had their proposal to reduce salaries dismissed.

Their Parliamentary Spokeswoman, Teresa Rodríguez, gave an interview on the regional TV channel, Canal Sur, where she explained that her party’s proposal was for all regional MPs to take a 30% cut in their salaries, as well as to received no travel and luncheon expenses.

“This was proposed taking into account that the majority of governmental meetings are via video conference so it doesn’t make sense to receive these payment [travel & luncheon expenses], except in particular instances,” explained Sra. Rodríguez.

She said the idea was to make MPs aware of the financial situation of those that have no incoming or have been laid off and those that that were expecting to be hired during Easter, and especially those that are working extra long hours in essential services whilst for their normal salary.

“We wanted to show that MPs are also willing to make sacrifices, by donating the 150,000 euros saved to the purchase of resources needed to combat COVID-19,” she emphasised.

She has reproached all the parties with representation on the Parliamentary Bench who opposed this proposal and said that her party’s MPs would, as individuals, make donations to the entities involved in combating the virus.

(News: Andalucia)