FILE FRANCE BOUTIN

Christine Boutin gives up salary for job as head of task force on globalization

epa02196046 File photo of former French Minister of Housing and Urban Development Christine Boutin as she leaves Elysee Palace after taking part in the French Council ministers, in Paris, France, 01 April 2009. Boutin was forced on 10 June 2010 to give up a 9,500-euro salary for a job as head of a task force after a row erupted over her perks. Christine Boutin was named in April by President Nicolas Sarkozy to lead the task force on globalization. She has been receiving 9,500 euros (11,500 dollars) per month for the job on top of her pension benefits as a former minister and member of parliament, for a monthly total of 17,500 euros paid by the state. The government initially defended the paycheck but Labour Minister Eric Woerth said on 10 June he would ask the 66-year-old politician to relinquish some perks during these belt-tightening times. Boutin later agreed to give up the extra pay. 'I have decided to carry out this mission free of charge, by giving up my 9,500 euros per month,' she told France 2 television. But she also said she had been unfairly singled out for attack, insisting that 'there are many people in this situation, who sooner or later will face the same problem'. Prime Minister Francois Fillon's office issued a statement saying he 'welcomes the decision by Christine Boutin to give up all pay for the mission she is carrying out on the social impact of globalization'. Fillon also said that from now on there would be a single common framework for the wages paid for such government advisory jobs. The appointment, whose details were revealed in the satirical weekly Le Canard Enchaine, also came with a chauffeur-driven car, staff and an office in an upscale area of Paris. EPA/LUCAS DOLEGA < 뉴스의 새 시대, 연합뉴스 Live >< 모바일 애플리케이션 >< 포토 매거진 >< 저작권자(c)연합뉴스. 무단전재-재배포금지. >