BGN 2,494,659 from sympathizers and candidates for deputies were collected by the parties in this election campaign. Separately, they received donations such as advertising materials, offices, etc., which equal BGN 298,910. This is shown by a reference in the Unified Register under the Electoral Code, which is maintained by the Audit Chamber.
Once again, there are no GERB donations for the campaign. They did not receive such from Velichie either.
PP-DB collected BGN 300,506 from sympathizers. The largest donation was made by Gergana Georgieva – BGN 100,000. The material donations for the coalition amounted to BGN 260,540.
The amount given by PP-DB MP candidates is much smaller. They transferred a total of BGN 62,845 and paid for materials for the campaign, which amounted to BGN 27,767.64.
BGN 10,000 each was given to “Vazrazhdane” by its candidates for deputies. The same amount was transferred by the municipal councilor from the formation Deyan Nikolov. Thus, a total of BGN 140,000 was collected. Most donations for “Revival” were made on October 1 and 2.
On the same date (October 4, with one exception – Nikolay Terziyski, who donated on October 2 – b.r.) and again the same amount (BGN 920 each) was also given by the candidates and supporters of the “Alliance for Rights and Freedoms”. This is the first campaign in years where people around Ahmed Dogan have declared donations. They collected a total of BGN 65,320.
BGN 430,000 was collected by “DPS – New Beginning” from five people. BGN 200,000 of them were given by businessman Hamdi Iliyazov. He declared that this money was from dividends.
BGN 100,000 was donated by the mayor of the municipality of Belitsa Radoslav Revanski – they were from personal savings from labor remuneration. Bilgin Yunus and Erdinch Hadjiev donated BGN 50,000 each. And MEP Taner Kabilov – 30 thousand.
And the candidates of “DPS – New Beginning” gave a total of BGN 785,000 for the campaign.
56,550 BGN was collected by “BSP – United Left” from sympathizers. And the candidates donated BGN 127,082. Separately, they also gave BGN 7,500 for campaign materials.
ITN received BGN 391,052 in donations. The largest sums are BGN 20,000 each and are from the former MP Plamen Danailov and his brother – the municipal councilor Dimitar Danailov. The candidates donated a total of BGN 31,430.
A single donation of BGN 10,000 went to the MECH party. It was made by the businessman Zafir Gochev, who was the leader of the list in Sliven.
BGN 42,340 was collected from sympathizers by the “Blue Bulgaria” coalition. And the candidates gave her a total of BGN 36,409.58.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Election Funding Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of interviewing Dr. Elena Stoyanova, an expert in political funding and electoral transparency. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Stoyanova.
Dr. Stoyanova: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss this important topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The latest reports indicate that BGN 2,494,659 was collected from sympathizers and candidates for deputies during this election campaign. How does this figure compare to previous years, and what does it say about party financing trends in Bulgaria?
Dr. Stoyanova: This figure reflects a growing trend in political donations from individuals rather than from businesses or state sources. In past elections, we’ve often seen higher contributions from corporate sponsors. However, it appears voters—especially sympathizers—are becoming more engaged directly in funding their preferred parties, which signals a shift towards grassroots support.
Editor: Interestingly, the report indicates no donations for the GERB party in this campaign. What implications do you think this might have for their electoral prospects?
Dr. Stoyanova: The absence of reported donations can raise questions about the party’s public support and financial health. It may suggest that GERB is struggling to connect with their base or that their funders are hesitant to support them amidst controversies. This could influence voters’ perceptions and ultimately affect their election outcomes.
Editor: On the other hand, we see that the coalition “PP-DB” raised BGN 300,506, with a significant donation of BGN 100,000 from Gergana Georgieva. Does this kind of large, singular contribution signal anything about the dynamics within the party?
Dr. Stoyanova: Large donations like this can indicate a strong personal or financial investment in the party’s success. They may also create visibility for certain individuals within the coalition, potentially leading to internal power shifts. However, it’s crucial that the party maintains balance—relying too heavily on a few donors can lead to criticisms of favoritism or decreased grassroots support.
Editor: Speaking of grassroots support, “Vazrazhdane” collected BGN 140,000 primarily from small donations. Does this mean their support is rooted in a solid community base?
Dr. Stoyanova: Yes, it certainly appears that way. Smaller donations often indicate a party that resonates with constituents’ needs and values. When numerous individuals contribute, it suggests a broader base of support, reflecting a campaign that motivates its electorate to actively participate in the electoral process.
Editor: The report notes that many donations for the “Alliance for Rights and Freedoms” came in on the same two days. Can you explain what this temporal trend might suggest about donor behavior?
Dr. Stoyanova: Such concentrated donations on specific days often reflect strategic timing by both the donors and the party. It could be that the party initiated a significant fundraising push around that time or that donors were motivated by specific events or announcements. This could also indicate an organized effort among supporters to maximize collective impact, which is a sign of a well-coordinated campaign.
Editor: These insights are fascinating, Dr. Stoyanova. As we move closer to the elections, what should voters keep in mind regarding campaign financing?
Dr. Stoyanova: Voters should remain aware of where campaign funds originate. Transparency in funding can be indicative of a party’s accountability and integrity. Voters should consider not just the volume of funds raised but also the sources and the implications of those contributions on party policy and governance after the election.
Editor: Thank you for this enlightening discussion, Dr. Stoyanova. Your expertise sheds light on the complexities of political financing and its implications for democracy.
Dr. Stoyanova: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s always a pleasure to discuss such vital topics, especially as we approach election time.
Editor: This has been another episode of Time.news interviews. Stay tuned for more insights on current events!