- BAGHDAD: Iraq's prime minister says he will return half of his annual salary to the government's treasury in a symbolic effort to narrow the gaps between the nation's rich and poor.
Nuri Al-Maliki's statement Friday came after Iraqi clerics and protesters warned leaders to heed public frustrations about the sagging economy and electricity shortages — or potentially face an uprising like those in Egypt and Tunisia.
Al-Maliki, who narrowly secured a second term in office after months of political negotiations, did not say how much he makes. He is believed to earn at least $360,000 annually.
He said he would cut his salary to reduce the pay disparity between leaders and government employees, as well as differing standards of living around Iraq.
