French President Emmanuel Macron has spent a whopping €26,000 (£24,000) on makeup during his first three months in the top job, despite saying that “intelligent” savings can be found in local government.
The progressive candidate swept to power earlier this year after seeing off mainstream parties and opposition from far-right candidate Marine Le Pen.
But he’s found himself in hot water in his first months in power, causing stirs within the European Union over labour reform and plans to give his wife a ‘first lady’ role.
And now the “hyper vain” PM is facing criticism after Le Point reported that his personal makeup artist – referred to only as Natacha M – put in two bills, one for €10,000 and another for €16,000 during his first few months in charge.
The gross figure is higher than the €6,000 euro salary Mr Hollande paid his staff makeup artist, but it is less when social charges are added. Le Point put the overall figure for Mr Hollande’s makeup at €30,000 per quarter.
The leak comes just weeks after the French PM announced local authorities will have to cut spending by 13 billion euros by 2022.
Emphasising that “intelligent” savings can be found, Macron promised there would “deep reflection” on the matter. Anticipating pushback from unions and the left, Prime Minister Édouard Phillipe said the government will not change its course.
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