Candidates who competed on the secure lists spent almost no money on the May 11 campaign, while those who were in the battle on the internal list either raised funds from individuals and businesses, or paid for expenses with their own money.
Financial reports obtained by Report TV show that the Democratic Party leadership, with Sali Berisha, Flamur Noka and Edi Paloka, have declared zero campaign expenses.
An individual report for Edi Rama was not yet available at this time, as parties still have 60 days to submit them, along with the party's own expenses, which could also justify the leaders' zero receipts.
Analysis of the data between the two camps shows that in the Socialist Party, the most money was poured into the Vlora district, where important figures, surrounded by powerful businesses, faced each other on the open list.
Thus, Vullnet Sinaj has the highest expenses, with over 100 thousand euros. Ardit Bido spent 19 thousand euros, Vasil Llajo 17 thousand euros, Klevis Kaso 16 thousand euros, and Damian Gjiknuri 10 thousand euros, all competitors on the open list of Vlora.
What is striking is that the second most funded member of Edi Rama's team is Olsi Komici, a former vetting commissioner who ran and won in Elbasan. He has spent over 27 thousand euros, mostly his own or his family's money.
Speaker of Parliament Elisa Spiropali declares that she spent 2,000 euros of her personal money and that she used the car she borrowed from her husband for the campaign.
Candidates on safe lists declare zero expenses, such as Ilva Gjuzi, Erjon Malaj, Erjo Mile, Marjana Koçeku or Romina Kuko.
Among the Democrats, former judge Gjin Gjoni, who ran and won in Lezha, has raised the most campaign funding. The main sponsors are family relatives with 6,500 euros, and several companies have donated 3,000 euros, allowing Gjoni to spend, at least as he declares, 9,500 euros.
The second opposition candidate with the ability to raise money is Belind Këllici. Although he was running in a safe place in Tirana, he received 7,700 euros as gifts from individuals, of which he spent over 4,000 euros on advertising on social networks.
Other reports will be compiled over the coming days and information on other important figures in the race will be available within October.
