The cabinet of former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz allocated nearly €590,000 ($640,000) in public funds for makeup artists and stylists for government officials between 2022 and March 2025, Bild has reported, citing government data.

The highest expenses were attributed to former Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, whose makeup costs totaled €21,000 or about €248 a day in the first three months of 2025 alone. Her longtime makeup artist, Claude Frommen, was reportedly charging €7,500 per month and accompanied her on official trips, prompting critics to argue that such spending clashes with Germany’s economic crisis rhetoric, the outlet said on Friday.

Ex-Chancellor Scholz ranked second with €13,000, while former Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck spent just €598 over a three-month period in early 2025, according to the outlet.

The figures do not include additional expenses such as clothing, hairdressing, or photographer fees, the report noted. The figures reportedly fueled criticism from opposition parties, with the CDU demanding spending caps and the Taxpayers’ Association condemning “excessive” costs during Germany’s economic austerity.

Scholz’s government, which took office in December 2021, collapsed in November 2024 due to infighting within the ruling coalition. Following snap elections in February 2025, a new government led by Friedrich Merz was formed.

The report comes as Germany’s economy struggles with a prolonged slowdown. The country’s GDP shrank by 0.2% in 2024 after contracting 0.3% in 2023. The downturn has been driven by high energy prices, elevated interest rates, and a shortage of skilled labor.

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