'EU president to be paid more than U.S. chief Obama'

London, Jan 3 (ANI): The new President of the European Council will earn more than what American President Barack Obama is paid.

According to leaked documents, Herman Van Rompuy and his hangers-on will be paid a whopping 22.5million pounds, reports the News of the World.

And another 252million pounds will be spent on erecting a grand palace.

Van Rompuy will be paid 273,814pounds a year, while Obama earns 250,000pounds.

His salary, travel and entitlements will amount to 1.3million pounds.

The Belgian, who started work on Friday, occupied Europe's highest office after defeating Tony Blair in November 2009.

And the total outlay of money is mind boggling, with 2.1million pounds for security, 2.3million pounds for equipment, 6.2million pounds for summits and 5.2million pounds for 22 staff.

A 4.5million pound reserve fund will be maintained and 252 million pounds will be used to convert the Brussels palace. (ANI)