French ministers sign up to austerity wages and sober code of conduct

[alp227]

Source: The Guardian

Members of France's new government took up their posts on Thursday with President François Hollande's promise of "dignity, simplicity and sobriety" ringing in their ears.

For the first time, half of the 34 appointed ministers are women, and only four of the new ministers have served in government before.

At the first council of ministers on Thursday afternoon, the government voted on its first measure, a 30% wage reduction for all ministers and the president, as promised by Hollande in his election campaign. Instead of €21,194 (£17,045) a month before tax, the president and prime minister will each receive €14,836. Ministerial monthly salaries drop from €13,423 to €9,396.

...

In another move in keeping with the tone of sobriety in office, ministers were told they would be expected to adhere to a strict code of conduct. The code rules out presents and private invitations, and encourages ministers to take the train whenever possible and, if travelling by car, to respect the highway code.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/may/17/french-ministers-austerity-wages-code

[loudsue]

1. Boy! I'll bet our congresscritters are pissed at this dude!

HE has REALLY good ideas!!

[ret5hd]

2. This happens when "...only four of the new ministers have served in government before."

And you have to keep a few incumbents around to show you where the restrooms and cafeteria are at.

[xchrom]

3. MON DIEU!

[JDPriestly]

4. Good start. Now, let's hope that Hollande can keep the discipline and prevent

all these creative minds from running around like excited kittens. I sincerely wish that government good luck. Hollande looks like a really good person.

[Vidar]

5. Great start for Hollande.

[bikebloke]

6. I read back when Sego was running that Hollande was wishy-washy.

So far he's proven that wrong. Bon! Let's hope he sticks with it.