Entered into the database on Friday, January 27th, 2006 @ 19:25:46 MST
The Bolivian new left-wing President, Evo Morales, has cut his salary
by more than a half to a little over $1,800 (£1,012) per month. The decision means that the salaries of all Bolivian public sector employees will
be reviewed, as no official can earn more than the president. Mr Morales said the money saved would be used to increase the numbers of doctors
and teachers. Mr Morales suggested that members of Congress should cut their salaries too.
During the campaign, Mr Morales had pledged to halve his own pay if elected.
The move announced after his first cabinet went beyond that, with a cut of
57%. BBC South America correspondent Daniel Schweimler says many voted for Mr Morales
believing that he was different from the more conservative politicians who have
governed in the past. The former llama herder and coca leaf farmer was inaugurated last Sunday as
Bolivia's first indigenous president. He has promised to fight corruption, introduce a new tax on the wealthy, and
renationalise energy companies.
