Alvise Waives MEP Salary, Abandoning Campaign Pledge

Alvise Waives MEP Salary, Sidestepping Raffle Promise

Alvise Pérez and the other two MEPs from Se Acabó la Fiesta have renounced their European Parliament salaries, according to social media posts. This decision trinc a campaign pledge by the party leader to raffle off his salary among voters, a promise now left hanging. The reversal has sparked mixed reactions: some hail it as consistent, while others suspect mere marketing.

Renouncing an MEP salary is not straightforward. Reports suggest that Members of the European Parliament cannot directly refuse the allowance; they must first receive it and then donate it. This means the money passes through the MEP's account and is subject to income tax (IRPF). "If he raffles it off, he must have accepted and received it first. He pays a fortune in IRPF," notes one analysis highlighting the fiscal complexity.

What Happens with the Other Two Salaries?

The party holds three seats in the European Parliament, implying three salaries. The announced renunciation explicitly mentions only the raffle of one. "Alvise, why are you only raffling off your salary? Shouldn't it be all three?" asks a frequently repeated query. The available material offers no clear answer.

Some argue this is a way to evade the promised raffle. "He said he would raffle it off. Criticism grew relentlessly. Suddenly, instead of raffling it, he renounces it?" summarizes a message demanding explanations. Others defend that renunciation alone is sufficient: "His resignation honors him. I assumed his words would blow away in the wind."

Taxpayer Savings and Public Subsidies

The debate quickly shifts to public funding surrounding the party. A recurring analysis notes that parties receive €1.08 per vote and €32,000 per deputy, totaling nearly €1 million in subsidies for Se Acabó la Fiesta. "Has he mentioned the €1.08 per vote or the €32,000 per deputy?" asks a message calling the move "pure marketing."

Comparisons with other parties arise. It is recalled that Podemos once pledged donations to its own foundation, drawing similar criticism. "Podemos said the same thing, but ended up donating to a Podemos foundation," points out one comment. The shadow of political establishment influence looms over the gesture.

The Colau and Carmena Precedent: Broken Salary Promises

Recent history offers parallels. Ada Colau and Manuela Carmena promised to cut their mayoral salaries upon taking office, but opposition prevented them from fulfilling these pledges, according to the material. "Spaniards don't learn; they've been fed the same script for over a decade," laments a message predicting Alvise will eventually collect the pay.

Skepticism prevails. "How will Alvise's salary issue end? I don't know, but there's a high chance he collects it and closes the file," predicts one intervention. Distrust toward politicians and electoral promises is the common denominator.

Party Future and Immunity Concerns

Beyond salary, the debate touches on Alvise's role in Brussels. "Will he go to Brussels to work as an MEP, or was it just about getting immunity and living off patrons?" wonders a commenter. The utility of the European seat for the formation remains an open question.

Criticism also targets the lack of a clear political program. "I'm still waiting for him to present his two minions and their policy platform," demands a message, seeking positions on waste laws, nature restoration, or tax harmonization. In this context, the salary waiver appears as a smokescreen.

Is waiving the salary a gesture of consistency or an image operation to hide uncomfortable questions?