French President Sarkozy Receives 140 Percent Pay Raise

Paris, France (AHN) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy's salary has received a dramatic boost, rising from just 8,300 EUR to 20,000 EUR. With the move, Sarkozy will now be paid the same amount as the prime minister.

According to Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) Head Jean-Francois Cope, the announcement of the increase is "part of a desire for transparency but also coherence."

"To be president of republic, head of state, is a heavy responsibility. I find it absolutely right the president of the republic should be paid a similar amount to other European heads of state and government," Cope added.

The amendment was initiated by the ruling party and was eventually approved by the parliament where UMP holds the majority.

However, comparisons indicated that even with the raise, Sarkozy's income is still behind the salaries of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and U.S. President George Bush.

The opposition expressed that salary increase is "untimely, considering most of our fellow citizens are having real trouble making ends meet."