The opposition Social Democratic Party's presidential candidate Zoran Milanovic spent 1.5 million kuna (€200,000) on his campaign by December 27, while the ruling Croatian Democratic Union's candidate, incumbent Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, spent 5.4 million kuna (€725,000), according to financial statements released on Monday.

The statements, posted on the State Election Commission’s website, contain data on expenses, contributions and advertising.

The total costs will be known after the two candidates submit final financial statements by February 4, a month after the January 5 second round of the presidential election. Under the law, each can spend up to 9.6 million (€1.3 million) on campaigning.

By December 27, Grabar-Kitarovic spent HRK 2.5 million on advertising, whereas Milanovic spent HRK 12,400. Grabar-Kitarovic received HRK 2.3 million from 347 contributors and Milanovic HRK 813,000 from 50.

The nine other candidates who ran in the first round of the presidential election must submit financial statements on their campaigns by January 21.

(€1 = 7.44 kuna)