There is no doubt that political parties are the pillars of a representative democracy and are to be regarded as “constitutional vehicles” indispensable for any functioning democracy. There is need, however, now more than ever before, for clear rules and transparent accounts within the sphere of political party financing. To preserve the people’s trust in parties and all politicians, it is crucial to ensure that we move forward as an advanced European country and society.
Money matters significantly in politics because parties need ever-increasing resources for administration, research, internal organisation, marketing and election campaigns in today’s sophisticated and advanced economies. Money, however, should not be allowed to buy access to decision-making power. In the light of recent events, public opinion has awakened to the issue of party financing and its links to allegations of possible corruption and scandals in the award of government contracts. The government cannot turn a blind eye to the doubts and suspicions these events have placed in many people’s minds. Otherwise, suspicions of illicit or non-ethical would-be activities are strengthened rather than mitigated and this, in turn, increases the people’s lack of trust in our political system.
We, as the new generation in Maltese politics, cannot allow this to happen. The Labour Party’s objective of developing into a progressive and moderate movement is clearly based on the people’s active participation and contribution. Therefore, the PL is committed in addressing any issue that may in any way hinder the public’s trust in the political system. PL leader Joseph Muscat made this crystal clear in a recent appearance on national television. This is surely a change from the Nationalist Party’s way of doing things for the last 20 years.
A serious public discussion in this regard needs to start off immediately as there are many issues that must be addressed. First and foremost, should parties receive public funding at all? Should certain types of donations, such as those from foreign governments to a specific political party, be declared illegal? Should there be a threshold of how much funds can a political party receive from a particular person, company or organisation? How are illicit donations to be sanctioned to prevent trading in influence? Should there be criminal sanctions for political party officials who accept donations not in accordance with the law? Should there be a strict and clear obligation on political parties to publish a list of those who donate to a political party a substantial sum of money so that the public can ensure there is more transparency in the process of the award of tenders by government entities?
Should campaign expenses be limited by law at all? Should assistance be given only in the form of money or should there be assistance in the form of other resources so that we ensure parliamentarians and political parties have sufficient resources to do research? Should resources be channelled in such a manner as to ensure we upgrade the contribution made by parliamentarians in the House of Representatives on specific and recurrent issues?
We need to analyse other countries’ legislation and experience and adjust and adapt accordingly. A lot of work has already been done by the commission established in 1994 to make proposals on the financing and rendering of account of the political parties and candidates for the general election. In 1995, the commission had completed the so-called Galdes Report. However, since then nothing has been done!
Whatever the rules, they should be designed to ensure a level playing field for all parties competing in the political arena, guarantee the independence of political parties and eliminate as much as possible the power of incumbency of the political party in government. Not talking about this issue in a mature and sensible manner, however, as seems to be the PN’s choice and stand, is definitely a no-no!
We must eliminate the possible perception that there might be links between party donations and specific decisions by a political and tendering by government and government entities. There is clear lack of commitment by the present Administration to even try to address this issue, thereby confirming all doubts that any citizen surely has about allegations of corruption and clear conflicts of interest of persons such as those appointed to head and lead government entities, authorities and corporations.
To restore people’s trust in politics, the Prime Minister should welcome the invitation made by Dr Muscat to open a serious discussion based on the Galdes Report, which discussion would lead to a concrete legislative framework on the matter in the shortest time possible!
The author is a lawyer by profession.