World's Top-Paid Leader Gets a Big Pay Hike

Singapore's leader is about to widen his lead in the global pay stakes. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's annual package will jump more than 60%, reports the BBC, from $1.74 million to $2.84 million, cementing his status as the world's highest-paid political leader. He says he'll donate the entire raise to charity over the next five years. The government argues that the higher salaries—ministers' base pay will rise to about $950,00, with performance bumps taking most to around $1.1 million—are needed to lure top private- and public-sector talent and to keep corruption at bay.

But the move is stirring criticism in a country where the median monthly income is $4,560 and layoffs and inflation are front of mind. Reuters gives a bit more context, noting that the ministers' salaries have remained untouched since 2012, when they took a 36% hit amid public disapproval; the subject is due for review in Singapore's parliament on Tuesday. By comparison, Hong Kong's John Lee is the next top earner at about $719,000; Switzerland's Guy Parmelin earns $606,000; and US President Trump $400,000.