COMPARATIVE AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE FINANCIAL AND LEGAL STATUS OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN UKRAINE AND FOREIGN STATES (PRACTICE OF POLAND AND GERMANY)

Abstract

The paper is dedicated to issues of the identification of the financial and legal status of political parties in Ukraine and foreign states. It is stressed, an effective activity of the system of regulation of financing parties in Ukraine needs to be improved, despite of strong legislative basis. It is outlined that strengthening of transparency and improving of verification and punishment mechanisms for violations are critically important for the minimization of corruption risks and ensuring of the honest competition of political parties. There is mentioned, a peculiarity of the financial and political status of political parties in Poland is separate system of the financing of election campaigns. In particular, there are campaign spending limits, determined by legislation. It allows to avoid circumstances, under of which large political parties can dominate exclusively due their financial resources. Such a practice ensures more equal conditions for all participants of election process. Despite the progressive system of financing, the Polish political parties still face some challenges. Main problems include attempts at hidden financing through fictitious persons or organizations, insufficient level of the public control for usage of money, and periodic scandals, related to violations of financial rules during election campaigns. German legislation also provides restrictions for donations from foreign states, organizations or persons. Political parties do not have right to receive financial aid from foreign governments or international organizations. These measures are aimed at prevention to effect on internal policy of the state. State subsidies cannot be higher than value of income from private sources; it ensures
a balance between the state and private financing. Financing of political parties in Poland is an example of the balanced model that combines state support and private donations, at the same time, paying attention to the transparency and accountability of activities of parties. Simultaneously, financing of political parties in German is based on principles of transparency, equal opportunities for the participation in political competitions, clear control for costs, that contributes to democratic political process.