What to remember from the Court of Auditors report which criticizes the Elysée for its “sharply increasing” spending

After two years of decline due to the Covid-19 health crisis and the presidential campaign, travel and reception costs are on the rise in 2023.

Can do better, explains the Palais Cambon in substance. The Court of Auditors invited the Presidency of the Republic in its report published on Monday 26 July to “continue its efforts” to contain its expenses on travel and receptions, in “sharp rise” in 2023 after two years of lows linked to Covid and the presidential campaign.

21 million euros of travel and receptions

Travel and reception expenses reached 21 million euros last year compared to 13.3 million in 2022 and 9.87 million in 2021, which largely explains the increase in the Elysée budget, in addition to a “high level of inflation”, she notes in a report and a press release.

The Presidency’s expenses thus amounted to 125.5 million euros in total in 2023, i.e. 8.3 million more than its budget allocation and the profits made thanks in particular to the launch of the Elysée brand. “This deficit result made it necessary to draw on cash”notes the Court of Auditors.

Big trips that break the bank

After the Covid health crisis and the 2022 election campaign, Emmanuel Macron undertook several major trips in 2023, to China, Oceania, Africa, Japan (G7 summit) and Mongolia as well as India (G20) and Bangladesh. On the reception side, the renovation of the grand kitchens of the Elysée led to “use catering services more frequently” in 2023 (1.3 million euros in total).

State dinners in honor of Charles III and Indian Prime Minister Nadra Modi, “relocated” at Versailles and the Louvre due to work in the kitchens, cost 475,000 euros and 412,000 euros respectively.

Expensive events, but open to the public

Among the six most expensive events at the Elysée in 2023, three were open to the public: the “Made in France” exhibition (233,000 euros), the Fête de la Musique (210,000 euros) and the European Heritage Days (208,000 euros).

Efforts that “must be continued and strengthened”

If the Court of Auditors welcomes a “voluntary approach to framing activities” from the Elysée, she also points out the “hazards” in the President’s agenda as well as “internal organizational problems” which added to the costs.

In such a context, “efforts must be continued and strengthened to better anticipate events, improve the flow of information between departments, raise awareness among certain stakeholders of budgetary issues (…) have shared work tools and control travel and reception expenses”, adds the Court of Auditors. The presidency “will take into account the Court’s comments to improve its organisation and internal arrangements”replied the Elysée.

“France maintains strong diplomatic relations with many countries which organize equivalent events when they receive the Head of State”the presidential palace also emphasizes.