Financing Democracy
56 Pages Posted: 15 Jan 2003
Date Written: December 2002
Abstract
Based on contribution patterns to parties in Germany and elsewhere, we suggest that European democracies should use a mixed system where private funding can play a larger role than public funding. In Germany the high level of public funding for parties can be reduced without expecting undesirable effects if the parties are forced to increase private funding. Private contributions can be unlimited but tight transparency requirements on private funding are necessary. This can be achieved by setting up an independent commission with institutionalized publication rules. Tax deductibility of private contributions should be eliminated.
Keywords: Campaigns, Funding of Parties, Democracies, Transparency Requirements, Private Contributions
JEL Classification: D7, D83, H11
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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