MEPs in the European Parliament are entitled to generous perks on top of their monthly salaries of over €8,000.
But weak oversight, and the lack of a proper paper trial on these 'expenses', may have helped generate some of the backlash against an EU institution which already often struggles to connect with the public.
Turnout at the elections went from a high of 62 percent in 1979 to only 42 percent in 2014, Enjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a member for as low as €1,75 per week.To read this story, log in or subscribe