Manfred Weber's Love for Luxury Endures

Manfred Weber was recently re-elected as President of the European People's Party (EPP). Weber, who also leads the EPP group in the European Parliament, continues to demand numerous privileges: on top of a party leader’s additional salary, he maintains a company car with a personal driver and expects VIP treatment at airports, V4NA reports.

Luxury and self-indulgence characterize Manfred Weber, a politician also known for his hatred of Hungarians. The newly re-elected EPP President has repeatedly shown a taste for lavish benefits, V4NA reports.

Manfred Weber továbbra is szereti a luxust (Fotó: AFP/Jose Jordan)

Weber receives a double salary: the basic €8,419.90 monthly parliamentary salary, along with a €350 daily allowance for expenses, which he can claim for every day of the year. On top of that, he earns more than €14,000 per month as EPP party leader.

When Weber first took over EPP leadership, he demanded a separate salary for the role.

As group leader, he’s also entitled to additional perks — such as a dedicated company car and chauffeur, a benefit he’s insisted on and had since 2016, according to a leaked letter obtained by Table.Briefings.

A 2020 report by Der Spiegel revealed that the chauffeur service costs around €100,000 per year, paid by the parliamentary group — and ultimately, European taxpayers.

Weber reportedly enjoys luxury vehicles — BMWs, Mercedes, and Audis — provided under preferential leasing terms. These discounts are crucial since high-end car rentals would otherwise violate EU budget guidelines.

While other political group leaders, like those of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), have given up official cars in their constituencies, Weber has refused to do so.

He also favors VIP airport services, which cost €510 per departure. These include private entrance to the VIP terminal, discreet check-in, private security screening, and 

private luxury transport directly to the aircraft on the tarmac.

The service allows him to board last, once all other passengers are seated. This type of VIP treatment is usually reserved for ministers or EU commissioners, but Weber reportedly insists on it, with annual costs exceeding €10,000, especially when flying frequently.

High Pay, High Expense Claims

The European Parliament’s finance department has repeatedly raised concerns about Weber’s unusually high expense claims, which are ultimately paid by EU taxpayers. Despite this, Weber’s office insists there’s nothing extraordinary about his lifestyle. A spokesperson told Table.Briefings:

Manfred Weber uses the standard VIP procedure at Munich Airport available to senior politicians.

As for the chauffeured car, his team claims it’s in line with decisions made by the EP Presidency, which entitles all group leaders to such a service.

Photo: AFP/Jose Jordan 

Arrogance and Vanity

Weber's office is reportedly decorated with photos featuring himself with powerful figures. After Michel Barnier was dismissed from the French Prime Ministerial race, Weber posted a photo of them together at the French government’s headquarters. He often boasts about his regular conversations with Christian Democratic heads of state and government leaders.

🇪🇺 Le député européen du CDU Manfred Weber, qui préside le PPE, ne se prive de rien et mène un train de vie de luxe aux frais des Européens. Ainsi, il bénéficie d'un service de limousine avec chauffeur (100 000€/an), d'un accès VIP à l'aéroport de Munich (10 000 €/an), et, pour… pic.twitter.com/zCUpIV27O5

— TVL (@tvlofficiel) December 20, 2024

Cover photo: Manfred Weber, European People's Party (EPP) President (AFP)