A contribution that is voluntary and without consideration 1:22
Making a contribution to a political party or to an independent candidate is a way of participating in our democratic life. Indeed, political financing is essential so that the party or the candidate you favour can carry on its/his activities and, ultimately, be able to represent you well.
In December 2010, the National Assembly adopted three laws constituting a major reform of our political financing rules.
These new laws notably aim to:
Your responsibility as a person who makes a political contribution is clearly expressed, like never before.
Not only have the laws been reinforced, you must confirm, by signing a contribution slip, that the contribution is voluntary and will not be reimbursed or compensated.
The penalties imposed on natural and legal persons who commit offences related to political contributions have been strengthened considerably.
There are stiffer fines, new offences have been created and a new penalty appears in the Act, namely being deprived of public contracts if certain conditions are met.
Several measures found in the new laws aim to make political financing more transparent.
The sums of cash that may be paid to a party or to a candidate are smaller, while anonymous donations are prohibited outright. Moreover, more persons having made contributions will see their names appear in financial reports.
