Argentine President Bans Use of Official Automobiles

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, December 25, 2001

Argentine President Bans Use of Official Automobiles

Argentina's interim President Adolfo Rodriguez Saa on Monday ordered a ban on the use of official vehicles, which was part of an austerity plan announced on Sunday.

Argentina's interim President Adolfo Rodriguez Saa on Monday ordered a ban on the use of official vehicles, which was part of an austerity plan announced on Sunday.

The president, who was appointed as the country's new leader by the Legislative Assembly, signed a decree to ban the use of official cars by public officials, Sports Secretary Daniel Scioli said.

He explained that the decision was taken at a cabinet meeting at the Casa Rosada -- the government headquarters -- in which issues such as social assistance were discussed.

Resources from the sale of the official automobiles, according to the official, "will be channeled to food plans."

"As of Monday it is forbidden for any official to use official vehicles," Scioli added.

The austerity plan also includes cuts in government officials' salaries and a 3,000 U.S. dollar ceiling for their pay.

The interim government also decided to sell government aircraft, including Tango 01, a luxurious plane worth 66 million dollars, acquired by the government of former President Carlos Menem.

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