Apart from money, a state leader receives generous perks such as elite real estate, private jets tailor-made for official trips, numerous personnel, etc. Read the article to get to know the 7 highest-paid state leaders.
Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore’s Prime Minister, $1,600,000
He has been serving as Singapore’s Prime Minister since 2004. The highest-paid state leader lives in a three-storied mansion in luxurious 43-hectare real estate Istana. Lee Hsien Loong took over office from his father who launched the legal process of the power transmission from the older generation to the younger one. Father of the incumbent Prime Minister, legendary Lee Kian Yew, used to be at the helm of the country for 31 years since 1959. Later on, he actually ruled Singapore for 20 more years, holding positions specially created for him. So, in 1959 Lee Kian Yew was appointed as the state’s first prime minister or minister – adviser. Thanks to his efforts, Singapore leapt from a third-world economy into a developed high-income economy.
Carrie Lam, Hong Kong Chief Executive, $672,000
She took office as Chief Executive in mid-2017. Carrie Lam owns a hybrid version of Lexus LS 600h L and a Mercedes-Benz S500L of the 1997 edition. Having won a reputation as a workaholic, she is always ready to meet a challenge. Thus, Carrie Lam has deserved the nickname of Tough fighter. The policymaker keeps her huge salary in cash at home. Because of her endeavor, Hong Kong’s Parliament approved the controversial National Security Law that Beijing pushed ahead with. As a result, she was sanctioned by the US Treasury Department. The White House finds her responsible for implementing Beijing’s anti-democratic policy against the liberty and autonomy of Hong Kong. Currently, Carrie Lam has no access to banking services.
Joe Biden, US President, $400,000
Defying logic, the President of the top global economy that stretches across 6 time zones does not take the lead in the rating. In fact, the income of a state leader is not proportionate to the size of a country. Nevertheless, the President lives in the 6-storied White House consisting of 132 rooms. Camp David, the country retreat for the President’s family, is situated 100 km away from Washington. The residence is heavily guarded like a military facility. Besides, an Air Force One customized as the presidential transport, is at his disposal. The airliner space is arranged in three levels where there are deluxe suites, kitchens, and even a medical unit that can serve as a surgery.
Scott Morrison, Australia’s Prime Minister, $395,500
Scott Morrison has been serving as the 30th Australian Prime Minister since 2018. He and his family occupy two official residences: the Lodge is the main one and Kirribilli House is in the suburbs of Sydney. His salary is 6 times as high as the average one in the country. While the UK, the US, and the EU are forging ahead with the green energy policy to replace hydrocarbons with wind and solar energy, Australia is expanding its exploration and extraction of natural gas and coal and rejects the idea of low taxes on green technologies. Scott Morrison is targeted for his lightweight climate policy. His government pledged that Australia would not aim to ensure zero CO2 emissions by 2030.
Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of Germany (from November 22, 2005 until December 8, 2021), Olaf Scholz (from December 8, 2021), $369,700
Angela Merkel became the first female elected as Chancellor of Germany and the first citizen of the German Democratic Republic at the helm of the government. During her 16-year tenure, she deserved the title of the world’s most influential woman. Under her ruling, Germany settled the European financial crisis in 2010, the European migrant crisis in 2014, and met other challenges. The German economy got back to steady GDP growth. The Chancellor’s salary is roughly 8 times as high as the average one in the country. The government’s leader is provided with the Airbus A340-313X VIP, the upgraded aircraft that used to belong to Konrad Adenauer, the first postwar Chancellor of Germany. The Chancellor has other aircraft at her/his disposal, all managed by Germany’s air force. Angela Merkel has lived in an apartment downtown Berlin being at the helm of the government and after her resignation. Her family owns a country cottage in the Uckermark region of Brandenburg.
Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, $340,000
Xavier Bettel has been leading the government of the smallest EU country since 2013. The population of the high-income economy is measured at about 614,000. The Prime Minister has a private Cessna 550 Citation II and Learjet 35A at his disposal. Besides, flagship air carrier Luxair arranges charter flights for him.
Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, $324,000
Jacinda Ardern took office in 2017, thus becoming the youngest leader of New Zealand over the last 150 years. Her personality is so popular and respected among her compatriots that such a phenomenon got its name, Jacindamania. She had a baby when she had already served as the Prime Minister. Shortly after the childbirth, Jacinda Ardern attended the UNO General Assembly with her infant. This happened for the first time in the history of the organization. During the COVID-19 crisis, Jacinda Ardern demanded that her salary be reduced by 20% in solidarity with millions of her citizens who lost jobs or earned meager wages due to lockdowns.
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