The Presidential Cabinet has implemented a major restructuring of ministerial allowances following an internal evaluation, establishing three fixed compensation categories of 20%, 40%, and 60%. Presidential spokesperson Roberto Lindveld confirmed the policy shift amid growing public debate surrounding supplementary payments to government officials.
According to Lindveld, cabinet allowances have been institutional practice for approximately fifteen to sixteen years, with successive administrations implementing varying approaches to supplementary compensation. President Jennifer Simons, upon assuming office in 2025, initiated a comprehensive assessment to determine eligibility criteria and establish clear parameters for allowance distribution based on specific job functions.
The newly implemented framework designates the 20% allowance tier for staff members who maintain daily working proximity to the president, regularly work overtime, and are ineligible for separate overtime compensation. This fixed monthly allocation aims to prevent potentially higher costs associated with traditional overtime reimbursement systems.
Middle management personnel qualify for the 40% category, while the highest compensation tier of 60% is reserved for senior officials including directors and advisors who engage in intensive, extended-duration collaboration with the president. Lindveld emphasized that the president personally determines eligibility for this premium category based on both positional authority and demonstrated commitment.
The presidential office’s detailed explanation represents a strategic effort to enhance transparency and provide clarity regarding the administration’s allowance policy amid increasing public scrutiny of government expenditure practices.