Ideally, the list of the richest politicians in the world should not include monarchs and hereditary peers. This is because they do not have to go through the political processes to obtain their positions, and are therefore not politicians in the true sense. Nevertheless, this rule is completely ignored in most spaces; even some of the most credible sources include royals in their list.

Following the accepted tradition; find below some of the richest and most powerful politicians in the world, their net worth, and interesting facts about them.

Top 10 Richest Politicians in the World 2023

1. Vladimir Putin

Net Worth: $70 Billion

Vladimir Putin, the mysterious and reclusive leader of Russia is the richest politician in the world with an estimated net worth of $70 Billion. That is an incredible figure anyway you look at it, but there is a very high probability that this estimation is almost accurate.

Vladimir Putin is an oligarch; and that makes him have access to prime industries and new opportunities within the country. Russian society apparently has no problems with people holding private businesses and at the same time holding sensitive offices.

Putin has earned his stripes in Russia by slowly and steadily climbing the ladder of importance; he used to work as a KGB Officer, where he demonstrated exceptional talent and love for his country. From there he went on to become Russia’s Prime Minister, and then he became director of the Federal Security Service (FSB), before becoming Acting President of Russia.

Today he is like the King of Russia; virtually unchallenged in his decisions, in importance, and in wealth.

2. Michael Bloomberg

Net Worth: $56 Billion

Michael Bloomberg is the richest politician in America presently; he has a net worth of around $56 to $60 Billion. He made his money completely outside politics; he is an entrepreneur. Michael Bloomberg is the founder and CEO of Bloomberg LP; one of the world’s most iconic providers of financial information.

Michael Bloomberg then became a billionaire; and that wealth launched him to stardom. He used his wealth and influence as a spring board to launch himself into politics.

He served as Mayor of New York from 2002 to 2013. After that he went on to vie for the position of President of the United States of America. Although he lost the contest at the primaries, he set a record by self-funding his campaign to the tune $935 million- the highest ever in the US.

He is a philanthropist, and is on the board of several important organizations; including the one that is concerned with the development of Artificial Intelligence.

3. Maha Vajiralongkorn

Net Worth: $30 Billion

Maha Vajiralongkorn is the reigning king of Thailand. He is the 10th Monarch of the Chakri Dynasty, and began his reign on the 13th of October 2016 following his father’s death. He is the oldest Thailand Monarch to ascend to the throne at the age of 64. Maha Vajiralongkorn has inherited his fortune from his father, who in turn inherited it from his father, and so on.

Maha Vajiralongkorn holds lands, jewels, and industrial assets. His position as King also entitles him to a payment from the government. He is said to be the wealthiest monarch in the world with an estimated net worth of $30 Billion.

4. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Net Worth: $30 Billion

Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a member of the Ruling Family of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He is a Politician and Businessman who presently serves as the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, as well as the Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Sheikh Mansour is the half-brother to the current President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Nahyan. He is one of the most influential businessmen in the country as owner of the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG); a conglomerate with interests in Sports, Finance, Real Estate, and Education.

5. Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud

Net Worth: $22 Billion

Other royal, this time from Saudi Arabia, Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud is a Businessman, Investor, Philanthropist, and person of significant political influence. In fact he was listed on the Times Magazine’s Time 100; in the year 2008, as one of the most influential people in the world for that year.

As grandson of the first King of Saudi Arabia he inherited great wealth, which he has now put to good use in the form of investments.

6. Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah

Net- Worth: $20 Billion

Hassanal Bolkiah is the 29th Sultan of Brunei, a position he has held since 1967. He has also been the Prime Minister of Brunei since when the country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1984. Hassanal Bolkiah is one of the last Absolute Monarchs in the world; he does not share power with Parliament, or with anyone in the world.

That means he has access to ridiculous wealth; which he controls via several investments throughout the country.

Hassanal Bolkiah threw the world’s most lavish birthday party in 1996 to celebrate his 50th Birthday. In that party he spent $27 million, and spent 17 million on a Michael Jackson performance.

7. Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Net Worth: $20 Billion

King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is the reigning King of Saudi Arabia. He is has been ruling as King since 2015 when he was enthroned after father died. However, he served his father as Crown Prince for a long time, and he was Governor of Riyadh for about 48 years.

As King of Saudi Arabia his primary duty is to work in the interest of the country; but he has also inherited a great deal of wealth which is held in various investments and establishments across the country.

Saudi Arabia is not exactly clear about what assets are public and what are privately held, and that can create a problem with estimating the wealth of members of the Royal Family. Now the agreed estimate is $20 Billion, and that is a lot of money.

8. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Net Worth: $14 Billion

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is one of the Royals of United Arab Emirates. He serves as Vice President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is also the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai.

Before he became the Vice President of the UAE, the position was held by his brother, Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

As a businessman he has significant holdings in real estate, as a matter of fact he is one of the most important of all the real estate developers in the country.

9. Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud

Net Worth:  $10 Billion

Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. He also doubles as the Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense of Saudi Arabia- some have called him the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia because aside from the King he is the next most powerful person in the country.

Interestingly, he is the 7th son of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz. He was chosen for power because he was the boldest and most daring of his siblings; his father saw a defender in him.

His position, as an important member of the House of Saud makes him part owner of an immense family fortune; oil real estate, sports, and so many other interests are part of their investments.

10. Donald Trump

Net Worth: $3.2 Billion

Not really a royal, but just as important, Donald Trump is an American Billionaire Businessman whose main business interest is real estate. He also has significant interests in Hotels, Golf Courses, and so on. He has also been a television host, and an author, before capping it all as the 45th President of America.

Donald Trump is a very influential member of the Republican Party; he has very many followers, and he is known for being quite controversial.

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Closing

The richest politicians in the world mostly come from the Middle East, they are members of the ruling families of these countries who have immense wealth handed to them by virtue of their bloodlines. Of course wealth has to be sustained, which means credit must be given to the men on this list for doing a fine job of investing and growing their money.