A BMW for every minister

Government ministers and other top officials will soon have the option to enjoy luxury vehicles, as the Finance Ministry’s Motor Vehicle Administration has chosen the BMW 528i as the next official state car.

The consumer price of the BMW 528i is NIS 398,000 (over $100,000) — which accounts for concerns that the choice might not sit well with those in favor of cutting state expenditures. Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz criticized the decision, saying it conveys “a problematic message to the public,” and that “the criteria [for choosing a state car] should include public perception.”

The finance minister expressed concern that the luxury vehicles will be seen as perks rather than legitimate government expenses. Steinitz said he would examine the option of holding a new tender, with a maximum price limit.

The Citroën C5 came in second in the tender offer to supply state cars. The C5 is a family vehicle which costs about a third of the price of the BMW. Ministers will be given the choice between the BMW and the Citroën, with appropriate differences in deduction rates.

Some reports indicated that the vehicles will be purchased at a price much lower than the market rate, perhaps as low as 50 percent of the price for consumers.

Opposition head Shelly Yachimovich (Labor) said Wednesday, “I’m not surprised. The decision to choose the most expensive car in the tender offer reflects the government’s extravagance and lack of shame. This car is eye-popping and inappropriate for elected officials. This is more evidence of the government’s detachment from the public it is supposed to represent.”

The Labor party chair added, “in a time when purchasing real estate is an unattainable fantasy for young couples, the wages are eroded, and the cost of living rises to new heights, it would behoove government ministers to show a degree of modesty.”