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French President Macron’s makeup costs prompt criticism

August 25, 2017 GMT

French President Emmanuel Macron gestures during a press conference with his Bulgarian counterpart Rumen Radev at the Euxinograd residence outside Varna, Bulgaria, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017. Macron arrived Friday at a French-style palace on the Black Sea coast for talks with Bulgarian leaders on the final leg of his three-day tour to central and eastern Europe.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

PARIS (AP) — President Emmanuel Macron’s office has confirmed a report that the French leader spent 26,000 euros ($30,695) on makeup during his first three months in power, and says it’s trying to find a cheaper alternative.

The report in Le Point news magazine prompted harsh criticism of the president from French social media users. It said the cost includes the pay of a freelance makeup artist following Macron during television appearances and trips abroad.

The president’s office confirmed the amount Friday. The report comes at a bad time for Macron, with polls showing his popularity plunging in recent weeks following the announcement of budget cuts and divisive labor reform.

Le Point said Macron’s makeup expenses are lower than those of predecessor Francois Hollande, who paid a full-time employee about 10,000 euros monthly.