A recent report has sparked controversy by revealing that the government led by former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz allocated nearly €590,000 for makeup artists and stylists during the period 2022 to 2025. The report, published by the German media outlet Bild, highlights that former Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spent a significant amount on personal styling, with her makeup costs totaling €21,000, or €248 per day, during the first three months of 2025.
The report has led to widespread criticism from opposition parties and the Taxpayers’ Association, with critics arguing that such spending appears excessive during Germany’s economic crisis. The Scholz government, which was in power since December 2021, collapsed in November 2024 due to internal ruling coalition conflicts. A new government under Friedrich Merz was formed after snap elections in February 2025.
The report comes at a time when Germany’s economy is struggling with a prolonged slowdown. The country’s GDP shrank by 0.2% in 2024 after contracting 0.3% in 2023 due to high energy prices, elevated interest rates, and a shortage of skilled labor. These economic challenges have intensified public scrutiny over government spending, particularly in times of financial strain.