Tunisia: MPs double salary to 2400 euros per month

The members of the Tunisian Constituent Assembly have decided to give themselves a substantial wage increase, nearly doubling their income from 2,300 dinars per month (around 1,150 euros) to 4,800 dinars, the sum earned by a minister. The decision, the media report, was taken by Assembly President Mustapha Ben Jaafar on the eve of his visit to South Africa. The deputies had requested the move some time ago. The increase is valid for the entire period of activity of the Assembly, which will have to present the new Constitution in November but will stay on until the next legislative elections in the spring or summer of 2013. Ben Jaafar's decision still awaits approval from Finance Minister Houcine Dimassi and Prime Minister Hamadi Djebali, who are expected to say yes to the wage increase. (ANSAmed).