Monrovia, Liberia – In order to pass a resolution that would reduce lawmakers’ and executives’ compensation by 20% if they are elected in the elections on October 10th, candidates for the legislature in Montserrado County’s District 8 are collecting signatures. According to Ambassador Rufus Neuville, many are drawn to the legislature because of the high pay because some of them view it as a place where they can find gold and diamonds rather than a place where they can enter out of a desire to serve.
At a press conference, Ambassador Neuvielle declared that if we are elected, we will support at least a 20% cut in MPs’ allowances. He claims that each congressman receives a monthly salary of US $15,000, which is used to pay for general expenses like petrol slips, car maintenance, constituency offices, communications (scratch cards), committee work, and domestic travel.
“In circumstances where the enabling legislation safeguard their perks, we will proceed by examining those laws. We also promise to cutting allowances of cabinet ministers and heads of public businesses by at least 20%.”
According to the parliamentary candidate, the revenue generated will support schools and, ideally, lower tuition and fees. Because these privileges are exemptions that permit some people or institutions to import products into a country without paying customs fees and taxes, Neuvielle noted that duty-free privileges for parliamentarians, particularly two automobiles per year, must be revoked.
”Given that Liberian parliamentarians are among the highest paid public servants in the West African area, it is imperative to reevaluate the necessity and justice of granting such privileges. By taking this measure, the chance for misuse will be eliminated and government revenue will rise.”
Ambassador Neuvielle also stated that it is currently customary for parliamentarians to receive brand-new cars every three years.
“During their terms, senators get three cars, while representatives get two cars. At a rate of $45,000, taxpayers spend $135,000 for each senator’s term and $90,000 for each representative. We give the 73 representatives a total of $6,570,000, and the 30 senators a total of $4,050,000. The annual depreciation rate for government vehicles is 33%, and at this rate, the automobiles are “officially” out of service after every three years, which is the legal rationale for this luxury.”
The estimate, according to Ambassador Neuvielle, is lower since the Speaker, President Pro Tempore, and Chairmen of the Executive, Ways and Means, Foreign Affairs, Judiciary, and Rules and Order Committees drive more expensive cars.
They swore to hold in contempt any Executive Branch representative who declines to submit a Budget Performance Report at the conclusion of each fiscal year. In the case of the USD 30,000 in 2020, 2021, and 2022, Neubille continued, the parliamentarians violated the constitution by designating funds to themselves for district development.
Reported by: Augustine Octavius
Contact: +231777463963
Email: augustineoctavius@gmail.com
