Exorbitant Styling Expenses: Government Officials Shell Out EU equivalent of €19,264.76 on Appearance

In a recent parliamentary inquiry, the cost of the federal government's spending on hairdressers, photographers, and makeup artists has been disclosed. Here's a breakdown of the spending by various ministries since they took office.

The Health Ministry, led by CDU's Nina Warken, spent a total of 5,063.01 euros on makeup artists and hairdressers. This is a fraction of the overall spending on styling by the ministries, which amounts to 58,738.41 euros.

Among the high spenders is Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU), who has incurred the highest costs for make-up and hairstyles in the current federal government. Her ministry reports expenses totalling 19,264.76 euros from May 6 to August 4. Interestingly, Reiche's makeup artist has worked for several politicians, including Baerbock, Habeck, Beer, and Kramp-Karrenbauer.

On the other hand, the Federal Ministry of Finance led by Bärbel Bas (SPD) spent 2,283.65 euros and 1,249.19 euros for styling, respectively. The Ministry of the Environment, led by Carsten Schneider (SPD), spent a relatively modest 618.80 euros under the styling item.

The Chancellery, under Friedrich Merz (CDU), has spent 12,501.30 euros on "makeup artists/hairdressers" since Merz took office. Merz's appearance has been admired by his Instagram followers and even US President Donald Trump, who reportedly inquired about Merz's "tan."

It's worth noting that no other member of the new federal government has incurred such high costs for good looks so far. In contrast, Research Minister Dorothee Bär (CSU) seems to take care of her appearance herself, as her ministry reports expenses for makeup artists at a mere 357 euros so far.

The Interior Ministry, Foreign Office, and Health Ministry each spent over 18,000 euros on photo expenses. The Federal Ministry of Finance had the highest photo expenses with 33,721.80 euros.

US President Donald Trump visited the White House last week for a meeting with European heads of government. During his visit, he was impressed by Merz's appearance, marking a notable moment in the ongoing diplomatic relations.

The total spending on photographers by the ministries since taking office is 172,608.83 euros. Despite the high spending, not all ministers rely on professional makeup artists. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz also incurs high costs for makeup, but the CDU politician with the highest expenses for make-up and hair paid from public funds remains unnamed in the provided search results.

In conclusion, while the federal government's spending on styling is significant, the focus remains on policy and decision-making, with appearances playing a secondary role.