Executive Bonuses Targeted by Merkel Rivals in German Campaign

by Dramelin 6:00 AM 0 comments

Executive bonuses are turning into a campaign issue in Germany as the Social Democrats propose curbing manager compensation, putting Chancellor Angela Merkel?s bloc on the spot seven months before national elections.
That compares with an 18 percentage-point gap between Germany?s two biggest parties as recently as mid-January, though all national polls suggest Merkel?s bloc remains ahead.
With Merkel?s caucus divided, the Social Democrats are pushing a theme that appeals to core voters as they seek to extend a poll bounce ahead of the election on Sept.
24.
While the Social Democrats are broadly united and say they?ll seek to push the measure through parliament before the election, members of Merkel?s business wing are voicing reservations.
?I don?t see that the performance of managers in comparison to employees has improved that much.
?Calls to rein in executive pay, an idea that has broad support in Germany, may help the SPD in its campaign to deny Merkel a fourth term.