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The 7 Highest Paid Political Leaders in the World (2013)

When it comes to politics, pay’s a difficult issue. Sure, the current leader may be expensive, but consider the alternative: All it takes is one under-qualified choice, and the economy’s down the toilet faster than Thai food on a bad stomach. On the other hand, we’re talking about a cushy job where the biggest threat is usually an ass blister. Either way, here are the biggest earners in politics:

And that’s when we simplified the process to one dollar, one vote.

Important Note

The figures given below are approximated. They do not take into account special allowances, housing and car subsidies, bonuses, etc. In addition, the pay of politicians can change very quickly. Their salary is dependent on the relevant governing body and its policies.

Due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, it’s also impossible to exactly convert various leaders’ salaries to Singapore dollars.

7th Place: Francois Hollande, President of France

French President Hollande delivers a speech during a visit to an elementary school in Dieudonne
French President Hollande delivers a speech during a visit to an elementary school in Dieudonne

Approximate salary: SGD $291,680 per annum

Needs to manage: Approx. 65 million people, 675,000+ square kilometers, at least 400 kinds of cheese

In Singapore, his pay amounts to: Inability to buy a car with his entire month’s pay cheque. Come on, France.

6th Place: Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada

Approximate salary: SGD $387,351 per annum

Needs to manage: Approx. 34.4 million people, almost 10 million square kilometers, hockey violence and American tourists

In Singapore, his pay amounts to: His entire month’s pay cheque should just about make the down payment on a 5 room flat.

5th Place: Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya

Uhuru-Kenyatta
Uhuru-Kenyatta

Approximate salary: SGD $390,561 per annum

Needs to manage: Approx. 41.6 million people, 580,000+ square kilometers, and convincing the International Criminal Court that he hasn’t committed crimes against humanity. His case is probably next in line, after the producers of Jersey Shore.

In Singapore, his pay amounts to: His entire month’s pay cheque is less than Nparks once paid for 26 bicycles. Also, people need to stop cracking jokes about corruption in Africa. I’m just saying.

4th Place: Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland

Approximate salary: SGD $404,950 per annum

Needs to manage: Around 4.5 million people, 84,000+ square kilometers, and a self-inflicted pay cut. Approx. 65 “Irish invention” jokes per hour.

In Singapore, his pay amounts to: An average golf club membership. If he doesn’t go for too many frills.

3rd Place: Barack Obama, President of the United States of America

Barack Obama
Barack Obama

Approximate salary: SGD $500,720 per annum

Needs to manage: Around 314 million people, 9.8 million+ square kilometers, Republicans, and the Free World.

In Singapore, his pay amounts to: His entire month’s pay cheque might cover the Cash Over Valuation of a resale flat (in a mature estate).

2nd Place: Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of Hong Kong

Approximate salary: SGD $642,173 per annum

Needs to manage: Just over 7 million people, 1,100+ square kilometers, more triad violence than a mongrel has fleas.

In Singapore, his pay amounts to: Something we’d consider “a good start”, every time we review the cost of living.

1st Place: Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore

lee hsien loong
lee hsien loong

Approximate salary: $2.2 million per annum

Needs to manage: Around 5.1 million people, 710 square kilometers, high inflation, immigration issues.

His pay amounts to: About four or five other people on this list…combined.

But hey, we’ve got a safe, clean country. And if you’d like to spy on other people’s salaries some more, do follow us on Facebook.

Image Credits: socialbarrel.com, Campaign for Release of Saeed Malekpour, daldoon.com, independent.ie, latimes.com, cuhk.edu,

Know any other highly paid leader we missed? Comment and let us know!

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