How much money do Panama politicians earn?

Nosfer · 11-22-2007

oh well thanks for sharing those infos lala

i've got a small question for you though: we've talked about average wages in Panama, but do you know how much a politician earns there, especially compared to a local panamanian. from what i see, i think they've got Big houses and fancy cars. Am i wrong?

Lalaguayaba · 11-23-2007

I am definitely not an expert on what Panamanian politicians earn--but I imagine that it is far more than the average citizen. The days of graft and overt bribery seem to be over, but, like I said, I am not an expert. Many politicians start their political careers after earning their fortunes in business, perhaps that's where the big houses and fancy cars come in!

Cheers.

MRWOOHOO · 11-23-2007

The politicians in the country are well-connected international attorneys. They do fine.

Nosfer · 11-23-2007

well in my country there were numerous problems with politicians. some of them had businesses valued at more than 10 milion Euro and they were requesting a politician salary of 8,000 per month, an appartment at a luxurious hotel everyday, daily wage for transportation and other problems. now, why would they need that if they've got great fortune already? those who work at mcdonald's hardly earn more than 600-700 euro/month.

kale · 11-23-2007

Well, it's a difficult issue but I think politicians should be among the best paid people in the country. A high salary attracts qualified people who would otherwise stay in the private sector. It also prevents corruption to some degree: If you earn $50,000 a month and have all the benefits, gadgets and prestige you could dream of, you're much less likely to accept a million dollar bribe than if you earn $3,000 a month. Of course that doesn't account for inherently corrupt politicians, but I think most politicians are simply dishonest (they say whatever people want to hear to get elected) rather than corrupt.

Lalaguayaba · 11-23-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nosfer

Well in my country there were numerous problems with politicians. Some of them had businesses valued at more than 10 milion Euro and they were requesting a politician's salary of 8,000 per month, an appartment at a luxurious hotel every day, daily wage for transportation and other problems.

Now, why would they need that if they've got a great fortune already? Those who work at McDonald's hardly earn more than 600-700 euro/month.

Greed?

That's usually the answer!

Cheers.

Charlez · 12-07-2007

Dishonesty and greed lead to their downfall...

Unfortunately it's hard to find an individual who will not give into such temptations once they are in power. And yeah giving them a better salary might help, but still, greed can still get the best of them as they might still want more $.

zhinghur · 12-23-2007

Well said Charles, even paying them better is not going to do any good. Its the human nature, more we get, more we thrive for. I wonder how people in other countries politics like - Japan, Singapore etc works well.

nuaeman · 12-26-2007

Yeah, greed doesn't really matter how much a person earns, it just keep coming for some people and there goes the gap.

ankuranks · 12-26-2007

income of politicians,well thats what comprises the swiss bank,actually the income of a politician is directly proportional to the number of scams he committed and bribes he/she took,its not like a static figure.

patty · 07-06-2008

I think politicians' salary is not that big. But they are naturally corrupt. As what you said guys, they have fancy cars and beautiful mansions. I think that's where they invest the money they get from the pockets of the people paying the taxes.

guillegp · 08-20-2008

The best paid are in our Congress, about $7,000.00 US$ a month plus benefits.

crisella74 · 10-16-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by guillegp

The best paid are in our Congress, about $7,000.00 US$ a month plus benefits.

At first I have read 7,000,000 (7 millions) and I was just about to choke with my coffee lol
I don't think politicians are into it because of the wage, all of them could have got jobs that would have paid them much more. The extras that come with the job it's what they are after. For one, they have access to information and we all know you can make millions with one good information. Imagine you buy very cheap land in the country just before they announce they are going to build a highway right there.
Then it's about power. I think power it's as addictive as a drug, maybe even more so. And, of course, the more you have, the more you want.