King Frederik and Queen Mary Under Scrutiny for High Expenditures

In the first year of King Frederik and Queen Mary's reign in Denmark, a debate has erupted over the Royal House's expenses and the monarchy's financial management. According to recent reports, the royal couple has incurred expenses exceeding 6.3 million euros on goods and services, equating to a monthly expenditure of approximately 527,942 euros, or more than 17,000 euros daily.

This increase in spending has led the Danish press to question the justification for the 15.3% rise in the Royal House's annual allocation, approved by the government at the start of Frederik's reign. Minister Mette Frederiksen argued at the time that, while Queen Margrethe ruled alone, the new monarchy configuration includes a family of six at the head of state, justifying the budget increase.

However, experts on the Danish monarchy have expressed concern over the magnitude of these expenses. The Danish media outlet 'SE og HØR' noted that "higher income leads to higher consumption," suggesting that the increase in allocation has resulted in a proportional rise in spending.

The funding for the Danish Royal House primarily comes from state allocations intended to cover expenses related to official activities, the maintenance of royal residences, and staff salaries. Traditionally, Queen Margrethe received an annual allocation covering these aspects. However, with Frederik's ascension to the throne, a 15.3% increase in this allocation was approved to meet the needs of a larger royal family.

At the same time, it has also been revealed that Queen Margrethe II's current spending, since stepping down from the throne, has significantly reduced to 1.3 million euros in a year, leading to inevitable comparisons. The contrast has prompted some sectors of Danish society to question the efficiency of resource management by the new royal couple.

Additionally, it should be noted that this money only pertains to expenses on goods and services. The figure was obtained after the amount the government refunded to the Crown in VAT, from which it is exempt, came to light. Therefore, this allocation does not include the salaries of the monarchy's staff, as wages are not subject to value-added tax. Furthermore, it has been reported that the renovation and maintenance of royal residences are being funded by the state through additional allocations. All this has led some media to suggest it is a "hidden salary increase."

Similarly, the Danish press has highlighted that, although the increase in the Royal House's annual allocation was justified by the need to adapt to a larger royal family, the current level of spending exceeds expectations. The situation has sparked a national debate on the transparency and financial responsibility of the Danish monarchy. While some citizens and experts believe the expenses are excessive and require greater oversight, others argue that the royal family plays an important role in representing the country and that the expenses are proportional to their responsibilities.