Problematyka fi nansowania partii politycznych w Polsce

The author deals with the issue of political party funding which is very important for the existence of constitutional democracy (the democratic state ruled by law). The functioning of political parties is, indeed, understood by legal theorists as one of the fundaments of modern democracies. The purpose of a political party is to use democratic means in order to exert infl uence on shaping state policy or exercising public authority. This may be achieved, above all, by participation of political parties in elections. The activities aimed at achievement of this goal could not be undertaken without appropriate funding. Political fi nances are considered to have a key role in shaping democratic society, as the volume of available funds determines, to a high degree, success in the race for power. The article discusses matters related to the sources wherefrom political parties may acquire funds, as well as the principles of their acquisition. The issue is governed by the Act of 27 June 1997 on Political Parties. Under this Act, the assets of a political party is derived from membership fees, donations, bequests, legacies, income from property, and from subsidies and subventions payable out of the State Budget. The author also indicates additional ways, not specifi ed in the Act, of lawful acquisition of fi nancial means by political parties. He also examines: the forms of acquiring the funds, places of their collection, limits for donations, as well as purposes for which the funds may be used and procedures for their use. The author concludes that in Poland the funding of political parties is subject to strict legal regulation. How the relevant provisions are observed greatly depends on legal consciousness of persons establishing political parties.