Money is often seen as a necessary evil in politics. Wealthy landowners during the early republic days held a disproportionate amount of power, and the situation hasn’t changed up to today. Wealthy individuals are able to fund election campaigns, political parties, lobbying groups or media outlets. Some even buy access to politicians through campaign gifts and donations. Their involvement often ends up influencing the political process in their favor, which is undemocratic and unfair.
It is time for media outlets, lobbying groups, and political parties alike to find new ways to finance their political activities with respect to democratic values porno français. Otherwise, the poor will get poorer as the rich amass more wealth.
European citizens no longer have trust in their democracies due to the role of money in European politics. For example, over the past two years, long-standing ruling parties across Europe, including Italy, Spain, and France, have been hit by serious political allegations. Masses have demonstrated oligarch influence in Moldovan, Greek, and Ukrainian politics.
Allegations that Western European parties are funded by foreign powers have emerged. The recent Panama Paper has exposed the hidden wealth of several European political heavyweights, including the UK, Ukraine, and Iceland Prime Ministers.
It’s no secret that many Europeans no longer trust their politics. A recent study found that only 30% of Europeans trust their institutions, with this distrust going even deeper in politics. The public believes that politicians are bought and paid for by special interest groups, meaning their decisions are based on what will align with their personal interests rather than what’s best for the people they represent.
The perception isn’t without merit, based on a report from the European Commission that found that nearly half of all MEPs have accepted financial support from lobbyists in exchange for influencing legislation. With such a strong perception of corruption, it’s no surprise that the trust in politics is so low. Money in politics is clearly negating the way Europeans view their institutions, and until something is done to address this issue, the problem will continue to worsen.
Money in politics is a global problem that needs to be addressed before it gets out of control. International organizations such as International IDEA are trying to stem this tide by responding to various allegations of money in politics in Europe by linking their extensive networks and global knowledge to European stakeholders. For example, in 2015, International IDEA began translating its policy briefs and political finance handbook into Ukrainian and Russian to make valuable resources more accessible to individuals and organizations fighting for reforms across Europe.
The International IDEA has also been invited to help countries such as Bosnia and Georgia build online tools through which oversight agencies can disclose and report the wealth of politicians and political parties to the public. Countries that have had success with online reporting tools, such as Norway, Finland, the UK, and Estonia, have inspired other European countries that are still struggling with the vice of money in politics.
The International IDEA has also shared its legislative best practices with its members across Europe to help policymakers and politicians in Spain, Sweden, and Italy address the issue of money in politics.