Party subsidies

Party subsidies are subsidies paid by the government directly to a political party, for example in proportion to the number of seats in the parliament, or in proportion to the number of votes each party got. Often this system is combined with a prohibition of private funding of parties.

It is used in the Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Sweden.

Supporters argue that directly providing the campaign funds reduces political corruption, as parties don't need to get "money with an opinion".

Opponents argue that it locks the democratic process and makes the foundation and participation of new parties practically impossible, because of the lack of public funding and the prohibition of private funding.

ee also

Ministry of Justice Finland. Subsidies to the parties. [http://www.vaalit.fi/15482.htm]