I’d be interested in a deep dive of campaign funding on both sides. The article focuses on the right, I don’t seem to get much understanding of the tactics and financing of the left, which I assume is also just as murky and strategic. To a bystander with no interest in the outcome, the unusual cancellation looks even murkier than the rights finances?
So I'm no expert on Romanian campaign finance law but like most European countries there are serious reporting requirements (very unlike the US). You can view a rundown of the other candidate's fundraising and expenses in round 1 here:
All these donations and expenses would be tracked via the Romanian Permanent Electoral Authority and reports released to the public. They can also audit candidates campaigns and refer non-compliance for prosecution.
I'm not sure if you're from the US, but it's worth drawing a few distinctions between US and European systems. In the US system there is nothing to stop a random person from spending money running ads for some candidate or cause (usually through a PAC). In most European countries you cannot spend money promoting a candidate except by giving money to their campaign. Similarly, Mr. Georgescu cannot simply self-fund his campaign without moving money into a campaign fund. This means that he has legally claimed, under felony penalty, that no money was spent on his campaign.
Compared to the other candidates financing which are all basically similar that is why there is a focus on him.
I’d be interested in a deep dive of campaign funding on both sides. The article focuses on the right, I don’t seem to get much understanding of the tactics and financing of the left, which I assume is also just as murky and strategic. To a bystander with no interest in the outcome, the unusual cancellation looks even murkier than the rights finances?
Hi Alan,
So I'm no expert on Romanian campaign finance law but like most European countries there are serious reporting requirements (very unlike the US). You can view a rundown of the other candidate's fundraising and expenses in round 1 here:
https://www.romania-insider.com/romanian-presidential-candidates-electoral-expenses-nov-2024
All these donations and expenses would be tracked via the Romanian Permanent Electoral Authority and reports released to the public. They can also audit candidates campaigns and refer non-compliance for prosecution.
I'm not sure if you're from the US, but it's worth drawing a few distinctions between US and European systems. In the US system there is nothing to stop a random person from spending money running ads for some candidate or cause (usually through a PAC). In most European countries you cannot spend money promoting a candidate except by giving money to their campaign. Similarly, Mr. Georgescu cannot simply self-fund his campaign without moving money into a campaign fund. This means that he has legally claimed, under felony penalty, that no money was spent on his campaign.
Compared to the other candidates financing which are all basically similar that is why there is a focus on him.