Ukrainian lawmaker`s salary makes nearly US$3.000
In the year 2008, maintenance of a Ukrainian lawmaker will increase by 12 thousand hryvnias [US$2400].
According to “Delo” daily, referring to a draft budget of the Verkhovna Rada for the current year, if the lawmakers adopt this document, the financing of their activities will grow almost twice as early as in March. Presently, in addition to salary, which makes around 13-15 thousand hryvnias [around US$3.000], every lawmaker receives monthly additional 22 thousand hryvnias [US$4.400] for fulfilling their authorities and paying to their aids and advisors. Since March, this amount will soar to 35 thousand hryvnias [around US$7.000]. Lawmakers decide themselves how to spend the money: whether to hire aids and consultants, or manage without them. Some lawmakers do not conceal that they spend money on other needs, the newspaper reads.
Besides, the new budget of the parliament stipulates nearly 3 thousand hryvnias a month [US$600] for every lawmaker for “creating appropriate working conditions”. These money are spent by the Verkhovna Rada machinery on telephone talks, trips, and other similar needs of MPs.
At the same time, only 670 hryvnias a year [US$132] are stipulated for leasing premises to meet with electors. Another 2 thousand hryvnias [US$400] are stipulated for leasing reception rooms for electors in regions.