Angela Merkel's Makeup and Travel Expenses Spark Controversy in Germany

germany - Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel's hair and makeup costs totaling around 65,000 Euros in 1.5 years have stirred debate. Details of Merkel's personnel and travel expenses have also raised eyebrows.

Angela Merkel's Makeup and Travel Expenses Cause Debate

The revelation of former Chancellor Angela Merkel's hair and makeup expenses amounting to approximately 65,000 Euros in the last 1.5 years has sparked controversy in Germany. According to the response to a query from the far-right party AfD by the Federal government, Merkel, who stepped down from office in December 2021, still maintains a team of 9 people. During the 21-month period from July 2024 to March 2026, payments made for the former chancellor's stylist and makeup services have drawn attention.

Personnel and Travel Expenses

In addition to the makeup costs, the personnel expenses for Merkel and former Chancellor Olaf Scholz have also come under scrutiny. Last year, a total of 1.4 million Euros was paid for their staff salaries. This figure reached 408,000 Euros in just the first three months of 2026, with the year-end personnel cost expected to rise to at least 1.6 million Euros.

Travel Costs

Merkel's travel expenses during 9 trips between July 2024 and March 2026 amounted to 10,558 Euros. These trips included meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and an award ceremony in Tel Aviv. Furthermore, Merkel's attendance at the CDU's New Year's reception in Düsseldorf and the party congress in Stuttgart were also billed to taxpayers.

Former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who resigned in May 2025 and had 8 employees, spent around 6,000 Euros for 4 trips in about 11 months. His participation in a symposium at the London School of Economics cost 3,207 Euros, while his meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Brussels amounted to 1,647 Euros.