French president Francois Hollande is facing a scandal over the exorbitant price of his haircuts.
Revelations that the Socialist leader – elected on a populist mandate of taxing the super-rich – spends nearly €9,895 a month on his presidential barber has been dubbed #Coiffeurgate.
Mr Hollande, 61, has receding, dark hair which is not thought difficult to cut or style.
The scandal further damages the image of the unpopular Mr Hollande as he tried to show a dignified front on Bastille Day, the country’s national holiday, while greeting the public.
It also deepens his uphill struggle to recapture the Elysee palace in next May’s general election.
The original story by the Le Canard Enchaine newspaper was confirmed by French government spokesman Stephane Le Foll, who tried to defend his boss.
