No more severance pay for MPs who resign

The Conference of Presidents of the House of Commons has approved the scrapping of severance pay for MPs who voluntarily leave their post. "Instructions were sent immediately to the relevant services and the new system is effective as of October 2," said speaker André Flahaut. Exceptions will be made for exceptional circumstances, such as health problems, in which the Conference of Presidents will assess each individual case. Regarding the more general issue of severance packages offered to MPs, especially at the end of a parliamentary term, a working group consisting of representatives from the country's nine assemblies will be formed soon. The solution approved yesterday is “the most in line" with the coalition agreement, Flahaut said.