High-Spending Government Officials: Revealed Spending of Up to €19,264.76 on Personal Styling

The German federal government's spending on styling has recently come under scrutiny, with some ministries reportedly spending significant sums on makeup artists, hairdressers, and photographers since taking office.

According to available data, the total spending on styling by ministries since the government's inception amounts to 58,738.41 euros. The Federal Ministry of Finance, led by Lars Klingbeil (SPD), had the highest expenses in this category, with a total of 33,721.80 euros spent on photography.

The Ministry of Economics, headed by Katherina Reiche (CDU), has also made headlines for its spending on a makeup artist, who accompanied Reiche on a multi-day inaugural visit to Washington by plane. From May 6 to August 4, the government spent 19,264.76 euros on Reiche's makeup artist, including travel expenses. This suggests that Reiche began using a makeup artist regularly around May of that year.

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has also been in the spotlight due to his professional styling team. Merz's Instagram videos show the work of the professionals who style him, and the Chancellery has spent 12,501.30 euros on makeup artists and hair stylists for Merz since he took office.

Other ministries, such as the Interior Ministry, Foreign Office, and Health Ministry, have each spent over 18,000 euros on styling. However, only Federal Chancellor Reiche and her makeup artist, who has also worked for politicians like Baerbock, Habeck, Beer, and Kramp-Karrenbauer, have caused such high costs for a good appearance so far.

Not all ministries have reported high spending on makeup artists and hairdressers. For instance, Research Minister Dorothee Bär (CSU) seems to take care of her appearance herself, with her ministry reporting expenditures for makeup artists at 357 euros so far. The Ministry of the Environment, headed by Carsten Schneider (SPD), has spent 618.80 euros under this item.

Interestingly, US President Donald Trump was reportedly impressed by Merz's appearance and expressed interest in having a similar tan.

In addition to styling expenses, the total spending on photographers by ministries since taking office is 172,608.83 euros. The only ministry coming close to Reiche and Merz in spending on makeup artists and hairdressers is the Federal Press Office, which has spent 12,352.20 euros in this category.

As the German government continues to navigate through its term, the spending on styling is expected to remain a topic of interest and debate among the public.

High-Spending Government Officials: Revealed Spending of Up to €19,264.76 on Personal Styling