{Mozambique’s president has returned a luxury Mercedes-Benz given to him by a business association, admitting on Tuesday that the gift was a violation of the country’s public probity laws.}<\/p>\n
Following public outrage at news that Armando Guebuza had received the keys to a $100,000 (79,200 euro) luxury sedan at a swanky gala dinner last week, his office told AFP the car had been returned.<\/p>\n
“After having accepted the gift on this occasion, the head of state asked for the legality of the act to be verified,” a statement said.<\/p>\n
After being told he could run afoul of the law, Guebuza “declined it and gave the car back”.<\/p>\n
The Confederation of Business Associations said that by giving Guebuza the Mercedes S350 wrapped in a red ribbon it had meant only to “give him something to remember us by”.<\/p>\n
Guebuza, 71, is set to step down after elections in October, having served two terms allowed by the constitution.<\/p>\n
Critics have long accused him of using his position to amass a large business portfolio, with interests ranging from telecoms, ports, fisheries, construction and the media.<\/p>\n
Guebuza came to power in 2004 vowing to “combat poverty” yet roughly half of Mozambique’s population still lives on less than $1 a day.<\/p>\n
Agencies<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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