The poorest leader in the world

[Topaz]

The leader of Uruguay, makes sure he makes no more than the people of that country, around $770 monthly. Other leaders of the world should take note of this and maybe the economies of this world wouldn't be so out of control. http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/canada-politics/world-poorest-president-canadian-politicians-could-learn-him-180711485.html

[DogOnPorch]

The leader of Uruguay, makes sure he makes no more than the people of that country, around $770 monthly. Other leaders of the world should take note of this and maybe the economies of this world wouldn't be so out of control. http://ca.news.yahoo...-180711485.html

$770 will certainly attract the best minds to politics.

[-TSS-]

Does his staff work for so little as well? I doubt it very much.

[The_Squid]

The PM makes about $315,000 annually. Plus a place to live for their time in office.

I don't think that this is unreasonable.

[Topaz]

Squid, the first thing Harper did when he came in was to increase MP's wages. I'm still not sure about the PM's yearly wage but look at the fringe benefits besides wages. We know that some MP's have been taking advantage of trying to live life like the rich and famous. The saying that we have to pay them well so we get the best of brightest, doesn't hold water. The MP's come from all walks of life, from car saleserson to house wives to many lawyers. Yes, Harper did change the pensions for MP's but he didn't really hurt the present seating MP's or himself, we , taxpayers still have to heavy pensions to pay out for these MP's. I find this government talks out both sides of their mouth, they tell Canadians to watch their spending and yet they don't and like all politicans, they do look after themslves first. BTW, I'd have to same view if it were the Liberals, NDP or the Green because my wallet, doesn't know the difference of who has their hand in my pocket.

[Michael Hardner]

This isn't important, frankly. Politicians' wages are inconsequential to the budget overall.

Of course, some politicians will reward themselves more, but it's more common that this issue is used for political grandstanding.

[scribblet]

Squid, the first thing Harper did when he came in was to increase MP's wages. ...................................

He did, was this in 2006 or when? I know that a 3 year freeze on MPs wages is set to be lifted

[Canuckistani]

$770 will certainly attract the best minds to politics.

He donates the rest of his salary. Seems to have attracted a pretty good mind.

[Guest American Woman]

The PM and POTUS could work for free and it wouldn't make any difference in our economies at all.

Edited to add: Hoover and Kennedy both donated their presidential salaries to charity.

Edited November 16, 2012 by American Woman

[Canuckistani]

I think politicians should be paid a decent wage for what they do. But, when they urge belt tightening on others, they should tighten their own belt first. Symbolism is important. This guy is setting a good example, that it's not about being in power to enrich yourself, and that if many of your people are poor, you don't splurge in luxury.

[DogOnPorch]

He donates the rest of his salary. Seems to have attracted a pretty good mind.

Of course, you'd do it for $770 and warm feelings.

[Canuckistani]

Of course, you'd do it for $770 and warm feelings.

I don't think I want to be president of Uruguay, even if they wanted me. But he seems to be doing well, happy with his life. Demonstrates that money isn't everything. And I'm sure in Uruguay, $770 goes a lot further than here.

[DogOnPorch]

And I'm sure in Uruguay, $770 goes a lot further than here.

Well, heck...why are we hanging out in this dump called Canada?

[Canuckistani]

Well, heck...why are we hanging out in this dump called Canada?

I know why I am. Don't know about you. How is Canada a dump?

[DogOnPorch]

I know why I am. Don't know about you. How is Canada a dump?

Since $770 goes so much further in South America 'n all.

[Canuckistani]

Since $770 goes so much further in South America 'n all.

Is that how you evaluate a country? You should move. It goes further because it's a poor country that doesn't have the demand drivers that we do. We get paid more, but we pay more. See how that works?

[DogOnPorch]

Is that how you evaluate a country? You should move. It goes further because it's a poor country that doesn't have the demand drivers that we do. We get paid more, but we pay more. See how that works?

Of course I do...I'm just playing with you.

[-TSS-]

I don't think anyone wants to be President or Prime Minister because of money. If you want money then start a successful business.

[login]

I agree the guy deserves kudos for taking a fair wage on par with his countrymen.

Edited November 22, 2012 by login

[Guest American Woman]

I agree the guy deserves kudos for taking a fair wage on par with his countrymen.

Sure he does. But that's not to say every leader should do it, and it certainly wouldn't do anything to help our economies if they did, which seems to be the premise of the opening post/thread.

[jbg]

The leader of Uruguay, makes sure he makes no more than the people of that country, around $770 monthly. Other leaders of the world should take note of this and maybe the economies of this world wouldn't be so out of control. http://ca.news.yahoo...-180711485.html

I would prefer that leaders and civil servants be amply compensated. That increases the quality of the people attracted to government and reduces the chance of corruption.