One Romanian presidential vote costs €6-10

The President of Pro-Democraţia, Cristian Pârvulescu, said that the study conducted by the non-governmental organization on the cost of elections indicates that the legal limit of €3 million was exceeded without a doubt. “Costs for street advertising make up about one third of the total of the presidential campaign. Starting from this reality, we can estimate a total cost of these elections at €50-70 million,” said analyst Pârvulescu.

Over 80 percent of the presidential campaign’s costs are not recognized by political parties, and the cumulated amount spent by the top three candidates exceeds the legal limit, according to political analysts interviewed by Business Standard. This year’s presidential campaign was more expensive than that in 2004.

Also, analysts said they are sceptical regarding possible legal consequences, because the entire political stage is accountable for the financing of a campaign. Business Standard’s calculations compiled after interviews with the beneficiaries of the campaign, such as printing houses and advertising agencies, indicate a total amount of €70-90 mln for all candidates involved in these elections.

Political advisor Dan Andronic said that parties do not admit spending major amounts because there are many subterfuges that allow for less transparent financing.

“Amounts existing now are huge. It was a visible campaign, with a focus on people rather than parties. Some 80 percent of these costs are not recognized by parties, because there are all kinds of tricks to circumvent the law,” said Andronic.

From his estimates, the expenses on outdoor and advertising alone cost the two first round election finalists between €15-20 million.

Political science professor Stelian Tănase said that the share of expenses for these elections indicate that Traian Băsescu was the main financial resource consumer. Tănase believes that the current President spent 40 percent of the total campaign costs, the leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Mircea Geoană, 30 percent, with the remaining 30 percent divided between the other candidates. Tănase said that the highest expenses are for experts and campaign advisors.

Officials of the main political parties involved in these elections declined to provide cost estimates before the end of the elections.