Latvian Parties Spend Nearly €900,000 in First Month of Election Campaign
From June 6 to July 19, political parties signed contracts for limited election campaign expenses totaling €899,636, according to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau.
The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) reports that in the first month of the pre-election campaign period, all 14 political organizations participating in the elections have spent nearly one million euros in total.
The party “Latvia First” spent the most – €251,625, primarily on outdoor advertising. The National Alliance spent €164,196, also mostly on outdoor ads. The United List invested €158,306, all in outdoor advertising.
The Union of Greens and Farmers spent €144,715, with more than half on outdoor advertising, some in print and online, and a small portion on charity. “The Progressives” spent €83,028, mainly on outdoor ads and a little on radio. “New Unity” spent €47,485, mainly on TV and print, with a significant online presence.
Four political forces – “We Change the Rules,” the New Conservative Party, “Rising Sun for Latvia,” and “For Stability!” – spent nothing on campaigning during this period.
Each party has a maximum limit of €1,039,582.32 for limited expenses. This limit does not cover production of ads, campaign planning, design, or consulting. Individuals not affiliated with parties may spend up to €11,700 on campaigning, but no such expenditures have been declared yet.
KNAB reminds that advertising service providers and campaigners must report all contracts to the bureau within three days of signing.
