After two years of limited travel, meetings and therefore spending during the covid-19 pandemic and campaigning before the presidential election last year, spending rose sharply. In 2021, the Elysee Palace spent 9.87 million euros (250 million CZK) and a year later, 13.3 million euros (338 million CZK).
The amount increased last year due to rising inflation, but mainly due to numerous trips abroad. Macron he was in China, Oceania, the G7 summit in Japan, India, Mongolia or Bangladesh last year. The rebuilding of the president’s kitchen was also expensive for the palace, because at the time of the reconstruction food had to be provided by external suppliers, Liberation Day.
Just because of the kitchen repair reception in honor of Charles III. held in Versailles and a ceremonial meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Louvre Museum. The first of the two dinners cost France 475,000 euros (12.1 million CZK), the second 412,000 euros (10.5 million CZK).
Last September, King Charles III. attended a lavish state banquet at the Palace of Versailles for more than 150 people, the aim was to improve relations between Paris and London. Guests dined on lobster and crab, French poultry marinated in champagne and French mushrooms au gratin. The menu included vintage wines and champagne, and for dessert French macaroons with lychee and rose sorbet and raspberry compote. Of the total amount, over 166,000 euros (4.2 million CZK) went to food and 42,500 euros (1.1 million CZK) to drinks, the Politico server reported.
The office argues diplomacy
The president’s office promised that “will take into account the comments of the Court of Auditors in order to improve its organization and internal procedures”. She also pointed out that “France maintains close diplomatic relations with a large number of countries that organize equivalent events when receiving the head of state”.
Among the six most expensive events last year, there were also three events for the public. The Elysée Palace hosted the exhibition Fabriqué en France (Made in France), a celebration of music and European days of cultural heritage.
