France's new government formally took office yesterday, and their first act was to give themselves a 30% pay cut. It seems appropriate in these tight times, where governments are demanding sacrifices from their citizens, for them to lead by example.
Meanwhile, here in New Zealand, our government is imposing austerity, and demanding greater cutbacks in the services it provides to ordinary kiwis, while leaving their own fat Ministerial salaries unchanged. Shouldn't they also lead by example? Or are we expected to tolerate a pack of fat cats telling us to tighten our belts while resolutely refusing to do the same themselves?
(Yes, I'm aware that Ministerial salaries are set by the Remuneration Authority. I'm also aware that Parliament can pass laws. One of these trumps the other).
