French Presidential Office Faces Scrutiny Over Lavish Spending on State Dinners
- A recent French audit has revealed that the Élysée spent excessively on a lavish dinner for King Charles at Versailles, contributing to an €8 million deficit in the presidential office's budget for 2023.
- The audit highlights concerns regarding the financial repercussions of such extravagant spending amid broader economic challenges.
- There are calls for greater fiscal responsibility as the government faces scrutiny over its expenditures.
The French president's office has come under fire for its extravagant spending, highlighted by a recent audit revealing nearly €475,000 was spent on a state dinner for King Charles in September 2023. The event, held at the Palace of Versailles, was part of a diplomatic effort to strengthen relations between France and the UK, featuring a guest list of over 150 attendees. The lavish menu included lobster, crab, and French poultry, complemented by vintage wines and an elaborate dessert. The audit report, previously reported by Politico, detailed that the total cost of the dinner amounted to €474,851, with €166,193 allocated for catering and €42,515 for drinks. During the banquet, King Charles expressed gratitude for the tributes paid to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, while President Macron emphasized the enduring ties between the two nations despite Brexit. In addition to the dinner for King Charles, the report revealed that a separate dinner for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Louvre museum cost €412,366, with significant portions of the budget also dedicated to catering and beverages. The audit raised concerns about the overall spending of the presidential office, which totaled €125.5 million for 2023, resulting in a deficit of €8.3 million. The report concluded with a call for substantial efforts to restore financial balance within the presidency, urging a reassessment of spending practices starting in 2024.