This has often been a tool used against non-western governments. For Fidel Castro they counted the presidential yacht and aircraft (both taken from Batista and owned by the state, all the state owned palaces and retreats used for diplomatic functions, and the presidential petty cash supply as his personal fortune. Even Stalin they counted his apartments as part of his fortune.
This goes back to Robespierre, in fact, where the Britsh tried to undermine his reputation as the incorruptable by pointing out that he liked nice clothes (as did every ruler of the 18th century) Of course if you don't dress smartly, they make you look like an incompetent bum (See Corbyn, or Yaroufakis who was mocked for not wearing a tie.) Which is why so many socialist leaders end up wearing enlisted military uniform or well-tailored suits with national or working class motifs.
This has often been a tool used against non-western governments. For Fidel Castro they counted the presidential yacht and aircraft (both taken from Batista and owned by the state, all the state owned palaces and retreats used for diplomatic functions, and the presidential petty cash supply as his personal fortune. Even Stalin they counted his apartments as part of his fortune.
This goes back to Robespierre, in fact, where the Britsh tried to undermine his reputation as the incorruptable by pointing out that he liked nice clothes (as did every ruler of the 18th century) Of course if you don't dress smartly, they make you look like an incompetent bum (See Corbyn, or Yaroufakis who was mocked for not wearing a tie.) Which is why so many socialist leaders end up wearing enlisted military uniform or well-tailored suits with national or working class motifs.