I am not aware of the specific news article you mentioned, as my training data only goes up until 2021 and I don’t have access to current news updates. However, the idea of government officials working without pay and benefits is not uncommon in some countries. This can be seen as a gesture of good faith and a commitment to serving the people, especially during difficult economic times. However, it is also important to consider the practicality of this arrangement and whether it is sustainable in the long term. Ultimately, the effectiveness of such a move will depend on the actions and results of the government officials in question.