Former Presidents with Million-Dollar Salaries from the State: Government Confirms Privileges Equivalent to the Head of State

The Government confirmed this Tuesday that former Presidents of the Republic continue to benefit from a reference remuneration equivalent to that of the current Head of State, within the framework of the Single Salary Table (TSU). The revelation was made by the Minister of Finance, Carla Loveira, during the Questions to the Government session in the Assembly of the Republic.

The information emerged in response to a question from the MDM parliamentary group, which questioned the criteria used in defining the salaries of former Heads of State. According to Loveira, the Executive based its decision on the remuneration stipulated for the President of the Republic in office, as provided for in Article 14 of Law No. 5/2022, of February 14, which establishes the Social Security Tax.

"These are the same amounts that were already being paid based on the remuneration of the incumbent President. However, it was necessary to regulate this matter in light of the new salary scale," the official explained.

According to the data presented, former Presidents of the Republic Joaquim Chissano, Armando Guebuza, and Filipe Nyusi earn 342,570.00 meticais monthly. Of this amount, 263,516.00 meticais correspond to double the salary of level 21A, plus a representation allowance of 79,054.80 meticais, equivalent to 30% of the base salary of the Head of State.

The Minister also recalled that, before the TSU (Social Security Tax) came into effect, these remunerations were regulated by Law No. 32/2014, of December 30, which defines the rights and duties of the President of the Republic, both during and after leaving office. As she explained, the principle remained unchanged: the former President's salary continues to be calculated based on the remuneration of the President in office.

However, a legal vacuum persists regarding the inclusion of former Heads of State within the structure of the Public Administration, since they are not formally included in the list of holders or members of public and sovereign bodies covered by the Social Security Tax.

The issue took on new dimensions after Venâncio Mondlane, president of ANAMOLA, submitted requests to the Attorney General and the Ombudsman, asking for a declaration of unconstitutionality of Decree No. 9/2026, of March 27. According to the politician, the definition of the rights and privileges of former Presidents should be the exclusive competence of the Assembly of the Republic, and not the Council of Ministers.

Beyond salaries, the benefits granted to former Heads of State continue to generate controversy. Among the perks are luxury cars renewed every five years, housing maintenance allowances, extraordinary salary, paid vacations with allowances, first-class travel, extensive medical assistance for the family, and state-guaranteed security.

The debate surrounding these benefits reignites discussions about wage fairness, transparency, and the sustainability of public spending in a country marked by significant economic challenges.