
Õiguskantsler soovib erakonnaseaduse muutmist
Chancellor of Justice Wants Changes to the Political Parties Act
Õiguskantsler Ülle Madise palub Riigikogul muuta erakonnaseadust ja kaaluda annetuste keelu kaotamist.
Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise asks the Riigikogu to amend the Political Parties Act and consider lifting the ban on donations.
Currently, civil society organizations that support candidates openly and honestly are penalized. This conflicts with the human rights convention. Third parties should be able to make expenditures to influence election outcomes. This should not be completely prohibited.
The Chancellor of Justice believes that for the 2025 local elections, civil society organizations should be able to support candidates. Support and the origin of funds should be public. Madise says that current restrictions harm non-partisan supporters. Lifting the restrictions will not increase corruption or give an advantage to any political party.
Madise explained that the amendment would legalize the actual situation. This would eliminate some ways of circumventing restrictions. Currently, it is prohibited to receive donations to political parties, electoral alliances, and candidates. Donations can be monetary or in-kind. The ban applies to all legal entities, including civil society organizations. Large donations are criminal offenses.
The Chancellor of Justice says that the ban on legal entities' participation in politics harms public debate. For example, support from associations and organizations for candidates should be allowed in local elections. Currently, even distributing election leaflets is prohibited. Leaflets could feature candidates who promise to solve problems.
Madise emphasized that favoring candidates is not dangerous in a democratic society. It is a natural part of society's work. However, the transparency of cooperation is important. The influence of hostile states must be excluded. It must be publicly known who, when, and with what supported political activity. Transparency in election campaign spending helps prevent corruption.