by A swedish kind of death
Tue Dec 12th, 2006 at 02:46:40 PM EST
In a discussion some time ago it was suggested that the might of DKos mainly stems from an ability to direct donations to candidates.
I think it was Colman who asked about the laws concerning political donations. As the laws differ it might be a big or little hassle to try to direct donations. If this is efficient in a european setting is also a good question.
By accident I stumbled upon what the rules are in Sweden.
Right now they are now non-existent. You can give any amount you wish to any party you wish. This does not have to be disclosed, but neither is it an tax-deductible expense in any way. There are discussions on getting some rules in place, and actually all parties but one thinks so. However I do not see things changing any time soon as that one party is Moderaterna, presently holding the prime ministership and mayority in the government.
Donations do not play a big role in Sweden, Moderaterna (close to big business) is the one exception. Political campaigns do not include tv-ads.
So in this debate on changing the rules in Sweden, some news program informed me that four european countries has no rules on donations: Sweden, Switzerland, Malta and a fourth that I have forgotten.
So to start of the Eurotrib investigation into what laws regulates political donations in the EU.
(Countries in order of GDP (PPP) per capita)
Luxembourg
Ireland
Denmark
Austria
Finland
Belgium
Netherlands
United Kingdom
Germany
Sweden - no rules
France
Italy
Spain
Greece
Slovenia
Cyprus
Malta - no rules
Portugal
Czech Republic
Estonia
Hungary
Slovakia
Lithuania
Latvia
Poland
Now just fill in the blanks, and this will be done in no time at all. Uneven workload? Hey, it is not my fault that your countries has rules...