In the midst of the excitement about the Vorarlberger Wirtschaftsbund, the ÖVP and the Greens are presenting their draft for a new party law in the National Council today. After the assessment, the aim is to reach a decision, which requires a two-thirds majority, by the summer. The most important changes:
- audit rights: Currently, the Court of Auditors (RH) is not allowed to take action itself if it suspects irregularities in party balance sheets. This should change if there is “reasonable suspicion” and after the party has issued a statement. In case of doubt, the Constitutional Court decides.
- assets and debts: The parties must state their assets (real estate, assets, etc.) and liabilities (debts, provisions) in the statement of accounts. Only the RH finds out where they owe money. State parties have to report significantly less. Income and expenditure should also be published.
- campaign costs parties should publish no later than six months after the election. In the report, the expenses are to be broken down (advertising, advertisements, surveys, personnel), including those of sub-organizations and upstream organizations as well as of committees of persons. The reporting obligation also applies to the social partners.
- sanctions are becoming stricter: fines of up to 50,000 euros for violations of the reporting obligation. As before, party funding can be withheld. Exceeding campaign spending limits can result in a penalty of twice the overspending.
- party donations must be identified by name from as little as 500 euros (previously 2573 euros). Anonymous donations are only possible up to 150 euros (previously 515 euros). In return, these are no longer included in the annual donation limit of 772,000 euros. Individual donations over 7720 euros remain prohibited.
- party funding becomes a mandatory provision in the constitution. The federal and state governments have to support parties financially.
- loopholes: The term party-related organization is defined more broadly in order to make circumvention by clubs more difficult. Advertisements (from 2500 euros) must also be disclosed to the media by an organization close to the party.
Source: Nachrichten
