German newspaper: Former Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spends nearly 250 Euros a day on makeup

German newspaper Bild published information on July 18 based on government data, showing the significant spending by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz's cabinet on beauty services. Accordingly, nearly 590,000 euros (about 640,000 USD) was spent from public funds on makeup artists and stylists between 2022 and March 2025.

The highest spender on the list is former Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. In the first three months of 2025 alone, she spent 21,000 euros on makeup, or about 248 euros a day. Her longtime makeup artist, Claude Frommen, reportedly earns 7,500 euros a month and frequently accompanies her on official trips.

Former Chancellor Scholz came in second with 13,000 euros, while former Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck spent just 598 euros in the same three-month period in 2025. The report also noted that these figures do not include other expenses such as clothes, hairdressing or photographer fees.

The news has sparked criticism from opposition parties. The CDU has called for spending limits, while the German Taxpayers' Association has condemned the "excessive" costs amid calls for austerity. Many critics say such spending is at odds with the Scholz government's message about the economic crisis.

The announcement comes as the German economy struggles with a prolonged recession, with GDP set to shrink by 0.2% in 2024 after shrinking by 0.3% in 2023. The slowdown is blamed on high energy prices, rising interest rates and a shortage of skilled workers.

Olaf Scholz's government, which took power in December 2021, collapsed in November 2024 due to internal conflicts within the ruling coalition. A new government led by Friedrich Merz was formed after early elections in February 2025.