Croatia
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
"There shall be no financing of political parties, independent MPs, members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates by: Source: Article 22, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Source
"There shall be no financing of political parties, independent MPs, members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates by: Source: Article 22, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties? |
Code
No
Source
"There shall be no financing of political parties, independent MPs, members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates by: Source: Article 22, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates? |
Code
No
Source
"There shall be no financing of political parties, independent MPs, members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates by: Source: Article 22, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
"There shall be no financing of political parties, independent MPs, members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates by: Source: Article 22, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Source
"There shall be no financing of political parties, independent MPs, members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates by: Source: Article 22, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
"There shall be no financing of political parties, independent MPs, members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates by: Source: Article 22, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Source
"There shall be no financing of political parties, independent MPs, members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates by: Source: Article 22, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
"There shall be no financing of political parties, independent MPs, members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates by: Source: Article 22, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Source
"There shall be no financing of political parties, independent MPs, members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates by: Source: Article 22, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
"There shall be no financing of political parties, independent MPs, members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates by: Source: Article 22, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Source
"There shall be no financing of political parties, independent MPs, members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates by: Source: Article 22, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate? |
Code
No data
|
14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period? |
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Source
"Natural and legal persons may make donations to political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters and to independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates on a one-off basis or several times during the calendar year. Pecuniary donations shall be paid by the donor to the central accounts of political parties or the special accounts of independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters referred to in Article 7(3) of this Act, or the special accounts of leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of a group of voters and candidates referred to in Article 14(3) of this Act. The total value of donations made by a natural person to a political party, independent MP or a member of the representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters, an independent list or a list of a group of voters and a candidate shall not exceed HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) in a single calendar year. The total value of donations made by a legal person within a single calendar year shall not exceed (i) HRK 200,000.00 (two hundred thousand) when such donations are made to a political party or a candidate in elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia; (ii) HRK 100,000.00 (one hundred thousand) when such donations are made to an independent MP, an independent list or a candidate for national minority MP proposed by voters and national minority associations in the elections for members to the Croatian Parliament and the election of members to the European Parliament; and HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) when such donations are made to an independent member of a representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters and to a list of a group of voters or a candidate in elections at the local or regional level. Political parties, independent MPs and members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of groups of voters and candidates shall report any value of donations exceeding the amounts referred to in paragraphs (3) and (4) of this Article to the State Audit Office and the State Election Commission or, if such donations have been made with a view to financing their election campaigns, to the State Election Commission, and shall pay it to the state budget not later than 8 days after the date when they received such payment. Source: Article 11, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included)" |
15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit? |
Code
For natural persons: HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) in a single calendar year. For legal persons:
(i) HRK 200,000.00 (two hundred thousand) when such donations are made to a political party or a candidate in elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia;
(ii) HRK 100,000.00 (one hundred thousand) when such donations are made to an independent MP, an independent list or a candidate for national minority MP proposed by voters and national minority associations in the elections for members to the Croatian Parliament and the election of members to the European Parliament;
and HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) when such donations are made to an independent member of a representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters and to a list of a group of voters or a candidate in elections at the local or regional level.
Source
"Natural and legal persons may make donations to political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters and to independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates on a one-off basis or several times during the calendar year. Pecuniary donations shall be paid by the donor to the central accounts of political parties or the special accounts of independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters referred to in Article 7(3) of this Act, or the special accounts of leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of a group of voters and candidates referred to in Article 14(3) of this Act. The total value of donations made by a natural person to a political party, independent MP or a member of the representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters, an independent list or a list of a group of voters and a candidate shall not exceed HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) in a single calendar year. The total value of donations made by a legal person within a single calendar year shall not exceed (i) HRK 200,000.00 (two hundred thousand) when such donations are made to a political party or a candidate in elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia; (ii) HRK 100,000.00 (one hundred thousand) when such donations are made to an independent MP, an independent list or a candidate for national minority MP proposed by voters and national minority associations in the elections for members to the Croatian Parliament and the election of members to the European Parliament; and HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) when such donations are made to an independent member of a representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters and to a list of a group of voters or a candidate in elections at the local or regional level. Political parties, independent MPs and members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of groups of voters and candidates shall report any value of donations exceeding the amounts referred to in paragraphs (3) and (4) of this Article to the State Audit Office and the State Election Commission or, if such donations have been made with a view to financing their election campaigns, to the State Election Commission, and shall pay it to the state budget not later than 8 days after the date when they received such payment. Source: Article 11, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included)" |
16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election? |
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Comment
Regular limitations, with their specifics apply: For natural persons: HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) in a single calendar year. | For legal persons: | (i) HRK 200,000.00 (two hundred thousand) when such donations are made to a political party or a candidate in elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia; | (ii) HRK 100,000.00 (one hundred thousand) when such donations are made to an independent MP, an independent list or a candidate for national minority MP proposed by voters and national minority associations in the elections for members to the Croatian Parliament and the election of members to the European Parliament; | and HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) when such donations are made to an independent member of a representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters and to a list of a group of voters or a candidate in elections at the local or regional level. Source
"Natural and legal persons may make donations to political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters and to independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates on a one-off basis or several times during the calendar year. Pecuniary donations shall be paid by the donor to the central accounts of political parties or the special accounts of independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters referred to in Article 7(3) of this Act, or the special accounts of leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of a group of voters and candidates referred to in Article 14(3) of this Act. The total value of donations made by a natural person to a political party, independent MP or a member of the representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters, an independent list or a list of a group of voters and a candidate shall not exceed HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) in a single calendar year. The total value of donations made by a legal person within a single calendar year shall not exceed (i) HRK 200,000.00 (two hundred thousand) when such donations are made to a political party or a candidate in elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia; (ii) HRK 100,000.00 (one hundred thousand) when such donations are made to an independent MP, an independent list or a candidate for national minority MP proposed by voters and national minority associations in the elections for members to the Croatian Parliament and the election of members to the European Parliament; and HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) when such donations are made to an independent member of a representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters and to a list of a group of voters or a candidate in elections at the local or regional level. Political parties, independent MPs and members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of groups of voters and candidates shall report any value of donations exceeding the amounts referred to in paragraphs (3) and (4) of this Article to the State Audit Office and the State Election Commission or, if such donations have been made with a view to financing their election campaigns, to the State Election Commission, and shall pay it to the state budget not later than 8 days after the date when they received such payment. Source: Article 11, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included)" |
17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit? |
Code
For natural persons: HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) in a single calendar year. | For legal persons: | (i) HRK 200,000.00 (two hundred thousand) when such donations are made to a political party or a candidate in elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia; | (ii) HRK 100,000.00 (one hundred thousand) when such donations are made to an independent MP, an independent list or a candidate for national minority MP proposed by voters and national minority associations in the elections for members to the Croatian Parliament and the election of members to the European Parliament; | and HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) when such donations are made to an independent member of a representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters and to a list of a group of voters or a candidate in elections at the local or regional level.
Source
"Natural and legal persons may make donations to political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters and to independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates on a one-off basis or several times during the calendar year. Pecuniary donations shall be paid by the donor to the central accounts of political parties or the special accounts of independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters referred to in Article 7(3) of this Act, or the special accounts of leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of a group of voters and candidates referred to in Article 14(3) of this Act. The total value of donations made by a natural person to a political party, independent MP or a member of the representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters, an independent list or a list of a group of voters and a candidate shall not exceed HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) in a single calendar year. The total value of donations made by a legal person within a single calendar year shall not exceed (i) HRK 200,000.00 (two hundred thousand) when such donations are made to a political party or a candidate in elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia; (ii) HRK 100,000.00 (one hundred thousand) when such donations are made to an independent MP, an independent list or a candidate for national minority MP proposed by voters and national minority associations in the elections for members to the Croatian Parliament and the election of members to the European Parliament; and HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) when such donations are made to an independent member of a representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters and to a list of a group of voters or a candidate in elections at the local or regional level. Political parties, independent MPs and members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of groups of voters and candidates shall report any value of donations exceeding the amounts referred to in paragraphs (3) and (4) of this Article to the State Audit Office and the State Election Commission or, if such donations have been made with a view to financing their election campaigns, to the State Election Commission, and shall pay it to the state budget not later than 8 days after the date when they received such payment. Source: Article 11, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included)" |
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate? |
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Source
"Natural and legal persons may make donations to political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters and to independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates on a one-off basis or several times during the calendar year. Pecuniary donations shall be paid by the donor to the central accounts of political parties or the special accounts of independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters referred to in Article 7(3) of this Act, or the special accounts of leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of a group of voters and candidates referred to in Article 14(3) of this Act. The total value of donations made by a natural person to a political party, independent MP or a member of the representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters, an independent list or a list of a group of voters and a candidate shall not exceed HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) in a single calendar year. The total value of donations made by a legal person within a single calendar year shall not exceed (i) HRK 200,000.00 (two hundred thousand) when such donations are made to a political party or a candidate in elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia; (ii) HRK 100,000.00 (one hundred thousand) when such donations are made to an independent MP, an independent list or a candidate for national minority MP proposed by voters and national minority associations in the elections for members to the Croatian Parliament and the election of members to the European Parliament; and HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) when such donations are made to an independent member of a representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters and to a list of a group of voters or a candidate in elections at the local or regional level. Political parties, independent MPs and members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of groups of voters and candidates shall report any value of donations exceeding the amounts referred to in paragraphs (3) and (4) of this Article to the State Audit Office and the State Election Commission or, if such donations have been made with a view to financing their election campaigns, to the State Election Commission, and shall pay it to the state budget not later than 8 days after the date when they received such payment. Source: Article 11, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included)" |
19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit? |
Code
For natural persons: HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) in a single calendar year. | For legal persons: | (i) HRK 200,000.00 (two hundred thousand) when such donations are made to a political party or a candidate in elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia; | (ii) HRK 100,000.00 (one hundred thousand) when such donations are made to an independent MP, an independent list or a candidate for national minority MP proposed by voters and national minority associations in the elections for members to the Croatian Parliament and the election of members to the European Parliament; | and HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) when such donations are made to an independent member of a representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters and to a list of a group of voters or a candidate in elections at the local or regional level.
Source
"Natural and legal persons may make donations to political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters and to independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates on a one-off basis or several times during the calendar year. Pecuniary donations shall be paid by the donor to the central accounts of political parties or the special accounts of independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters referred to in Article 7(3) of this Act, or the special accounts of leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of a group of voters and candidates referred to in Article 14(3) of this Act. The total value of donations made by a natural person to a political party, independent MP or a member of the representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters, an independent list or a list of a group of voters and a candidate shall not exceed HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) in a single calendar year. The total value of donations made by a legal person within a single calendar year shall not exceed (i) HRK 200,000.00 (two hundred thousand) when such donations are made to a political party or a candidate in elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia; (ii) HRK 100,000.00 (one hundred thousand) when such donations are made to an independent MP, an independent list or a candidate for national minority MP proposed by voters and national minority associations in the elections for members to the Croatian Parliament and the election of members to the European Parliament; and HRK 30,000.00 (thirty thousand) when such donations are made to an independent member of a representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters and to a list of a group of voters or a candidate in elections at the local or regional level. Political parties, independent MPs and members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of groups of voters and candidates shall report any value of donations exceeding the amounts referred to in paragraphs (3) and (4) of this Article to the State Audit Office and the State Election Commission or, if such donations have been made with a view to financing their election campaigns, to the State Election Commission, and shall pay it to the state budget not later than 8 days after the date when they received such payment. Source: Article 11, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included)" |
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign? |
Code
Yes, donation limit for private persons apply
|
21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Calculated towards the standard donation limit Source
"For any donation made by way of products or services (including donations made in other non-pecuniary forms, such as movable or immovable property, property rights, etc.), natural and legal persons shall issue an invoice specifying the market value of any such donated product or service, stating that it has been made out to a political party, independent MP, member of a representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters and to independent lists or lists of a group of voters, or candidates and shall not be subject to payment." Source: Article 10, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Calculated towards the standard donation limit Source
"For any donation made by way of products or services (including donations made in other non-pecuniary forms, such as movable or immovable property, property rights, etc.), natural and legal persons shall issue an invoice specifying the market value of any such donated product or service, stating that it has been made out to a political party, independent MP, member of a representative body of a local and regional self-government unit elected from a list of a group of voters and to independent lists or lists of a group of voters, or candidates and shall not be subject to payment." Source: Article 10, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities? |
Code
Sometimes
Comment
Parties may engage in certain commercial activities, such as publishing, sale of promotional materials and party events. The revenues are managed as in the case of non-profit organizations. Source
"In order to pursue their political objectives, political parties may acquire revenue from their assets, membership fees, or membership contributions, publishing activities, voluntary contributions (donations), the sale of promotional materials, the organization of party events, and any other sources as may be deemed eligible by law." Source: Article 2, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) "If political parties generate any profits from their operations, they shall manage such profits as non-profit organizations." Source: Article 18, POILITICAL PARTIES ACT 1993, (with amendments up till 2006) |
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
|
25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
|
26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes? |
Code
No
|
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system? |
Code
Yes
Source
"Pecuniary donations shall be paid by the donor to the central accounts of political parties or the special accounts of independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters referred to in Article 7(3) of this Act, or the special accounts of leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of a group of voters and candidates referred to in Article 14(3) of this Act." Source: Article 11, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) "Donations made to finance the costs of election campaigns for candidates nominated by political parties to participate in elections for MP, elections for members to the European Parliament, and elections for members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units shall be paid to a special account of such political parties to be opened for the purposes of financing their election campaign costs for each individual elections that they participate in." Source: Article 14, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties? |
Code
Yes, both regularly and in relation to campaigns
Source
"Political parties having their members in the Croatian Parliament and independent MPs elected from independent lists shall be entitled to regular annual financing from the state budget." Source: Article 4, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) "Political parties, candidates and independent lists or lists of groups of voters specified in paragraph (1) of this Article shall be entitled to recover the costs of their election campaigns from the state budget or from the budget of a local or regional self-government unit in the manner and under the conditions set forth in this Act." Source: Article 12, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Comment
For regular financing: representation in an elected body. For election campaign compesation: a) from national funding: share of votes obtained in the election (% depending on the type of election), and candidates (and parties nominating them) from national minorities; b) from local funding: seat in representative body, % of votes Source
"Political parties having their members in the Croatian Parliament and independent MPs elected from independent lists shall be entitled to regular annual financing from the state budget. Political parties with members in the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units and members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units who have been elected from a list of a group of voters shall be entitled to regular annual financing from the budgets of local and regional self-government units." Source: Article 4, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) "The following shall be entitled to recover election campaign costs from the state budget of the Republic of Croatia: – political parties and independent lists which receive more than 5% of the valid votes of electors in their constituency at elections for members to the Croatian Parliament; – political parties which nominated candidates for national minority MPs who became members in the Croatian Parliament and candidates for national minority MPs nominated by voters and national minority associations, who became members in the Croatian Parliament. Source: Article 18, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included)
|
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Proportional to votes received
Proportional to seats received
Comment
For regular financing: proportional to seats in representative body For campaign financing: in proportion to seats won, or votes won, depending on elections type Source
"The funds specified in Article 3 of this Act shall be allocated by setting an equal amount thereof for each MP or each member of the representative body of local and regional self-government units, with each political party being entitled to receive any such funding as may be proportionate to the number of its MPs or members of the representative body at the time of the constitution of the Croatian Parliament or of the representative body of such local and regional self-government unit." Source: Article 5, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) "The funds required to recover election campaign costs related to the election of members to the Croatian Parliament shall be allocated to political parties, independent lists and candidates for national minority MPs nominated by voters and national minority associations in proportion to the number of seats won in the Croatian Parliament. Funds for the recovery of election campaign costs in the elections for members to the European Parliament from the Republic of Croatia shall be allocated to political parties and independent lists in proportion to the number of seats won by the Republic of Croatia in the European Parliament. The funds required to recover election campaign costs related to elections for members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units shall be allocated to political parties and lists of a group of voters in proportion to the number of seats won by each political party or a list of a group of voters in any such representative body. The funds required to recover election campaign costs related to elections for the President of the Republic of Croatia and elections for municipality heads, city mayors, county prefects and the mayor of the City of Zagreb and elections for deputy municipality heads, city mayors, and county prefects elected from among members of national minorities shall be allocated in proportion to votes received." Source: Article 20, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)? |
Code
Comment
The ongoing financing can be used for the purposes of pursuing the objectives set down in the work programme and financial plan, while the funds in relation to elections are payed as a reimboursement for the campaign, so they can only be used for that. Source
"Political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters may use the funds referred to in paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) of this Article solely for the purposes of pursuing the objectives set down in the work programme and the financial plan referred to in Article 28 of this Act." Source: Article 2, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
"The Croatian Television and the Croatian Radio shall follow the electoral campaign, and during the electoral campaign are obliged in their activities to enable all those participating in the elections to present and explain their election programmes. Broadcasters of other media shall decide independently whether and to what extent they will follow the electoral campaign." Source: Article 29, ACT ON THE ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE CROATIAN PARLIAMENT 2011 (consolidated text), with amendment in 2015 |
33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Other
Comment
Fair representation on public television and radio Source
"The Croatian Television and the Croatian Radio shall follow the electoral campaign, and during the electoral campaign are obliged in their activities to enable all those participating in the elections to present and explain their election programmes. Broadcasters of other media shall decide independently whether and to what extent they will follow the electoral campaign." Source: Article 29, ACT ON THE ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE CROATIAN PARLIAMENT 2011 (consolidated text), with amendment in 2015 |
34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates? |
Code
Yes
Source
"The Croatian Television and the Croatian Radio shall follow the electoral campaign, and during the electoral campaign are obliged in their activities to enable all those participating in the elections to present and explain their election programmes. Broadcasters of other media shall decide independently whether and to what extent they will follow the electoral campaign." Source: Article 29, ACT ON THE ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE CROATIAN PARLIAMENT 2011 (consolidated text), with amendment in 2015 |
35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding? |
Code
Yes
Source
"With regard to their efforts strictly associated with their political activity, political parties shall not be subject to the payment of profit tax and value-added tax under the provisions of special laws, and may also be entitled to tax benefits under the provisions of a special law." Source: Article 9, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
For each elected MP or member of the representative body of a local and regional self-government unit who belongs to an under-represented gender, political parties shall also be entitled to a bonus of 10% of the amount allocated for each MP or member of a representative body of such local and regional self-government Source
"For each elected MP or member of the representative body of a local and regional self-government unit who belongs to an under-represented gender, political parties shall also be entitled to a bonus of 10% of the amount allocated for each MP or member of a representative body of such local and regional self-government unit referred to in Article 5(1) of this Act." Source: Article 6, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties? |
Code
No
|
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
38. Is there a ban on vote buying? |
Code
No data
|
39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend? |
Code
No
Comment
The limmitations are set per candidate or list of candidates, not per party. Source
"The total amount of election campaign costs per candidate or per list of candidates shall not exceed the following amounts: – HRK 600,000.00 (six hundred thousand) in the case of elections for county prefect and mayor of major cities. – HRK 250,000.00 (two hundred and fifty thousand) in the case of elections for city and municipality head in local self-government units with a population exceeding 10,000; The total amount of election campaign costs in the elections for President of the Republic of Croatia, in the elections for municipality head, city mayor, county prefect and mayor of the City of Zagreb, and for deputy municipality head, city mayor, and county prefect elected from among members of national minorities may be increased by 20% of the total maximum amount determined in paragraph (1)(i),(iv),(v),(vi),(vii) and (viii) of this Article, or paragraph (3) of this Article for candidates who reach the second and the third rounds of elections. The total amount of election campaign costs may be further increased by the same percentage for every subsequent election round. If the total amount of donations received for the financing of election campaign costs exceeds the eligible amount of election campaign costs laid down in paragraph (1) of this Article, political parties, leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of groups of voters and candidates shall return the total amount of donations exceeding the eligible amount of election campaign costs to their payers, in proportion to the value of any such received donation not later than the time limit prescribed for the submission of the election campaign financing statement referred to in Article 34 of this Act." Source: Article 17, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
|
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend? |
Code
Yes
Source
"The total amount of election campaign costs per candidate or per list of candidates shall not exceed the following amounts: – HRK 600,000.00 (six hundred thousand) in the case of elections for county prefect and mayor of major cities. – HRK 250,000.00 (two hundred and fifty thousand) in the case of elections for city and municipality head in local self-government units with a population exceeding 10,000; The total amount of election campaign costs in the elections for President of the Republic of Croatia, in the elections for municipality head, city mayor, county prefect and mayor of the City of Zagreb, and for deputy municipality head, city mayor, and county prefect elected from among members of national minorities may be increased by 20% of the total maximum amount determined in paragraph (1)(i),(iv),(v),(vi),(vii) and (viii) of this Article, or paragraph (3) of this Article for candidates who reach the second and the third rounds of elections. The total amount of election campaign costs may be further increased by the same percentage for every subsequent election round. If the total amount of donations received for the financing of election campaign costs exceeds the eligible amount of election campaign costs laid down in paragraph (1) of this Article, political parties, leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of groups of voters and candidates shall return the total amount of donations exceeding the eligible amount of election campaign costs to their payers, in proportion to the value of any such received donation not later than the time limit prescribed for the submission of the election campaign financing statement referred to in Article 34 of this Act." Source: Article 17, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
The total amount of election campaign costs per candidate or per list of candidates shall not exceed the following amounts: – HRK 8,000,000.00 (eight million) in the case of elections for President of the Republic of Croatia; – HRK 1,500,000.00 (one million five hundred thousand) within a single constituency in the case of the election of MPs; – HRK 1,500,000.00 (one million five hundred thousand) in the case of the election of members to the European Parliament; – HRK 1,000,000.00 (one million) in the case of elections for the mayor of the City of Zagreb; – HRK 600,000.00 (six hundred thousand) in the case of elections for county prefect and mayor of major cities. – HRK 250,000.00 (two hundred and fifty thousand) in the case of elections for city and municipality head in local self-government units with a population exceeding 10,000; – HRK 100,000.00 (one hundred thousand) in the case of elections for city and municipal chief officials in local self-government units with populations from 3,001 to 10,000; – HRK 50,000.00 (fifty thousand) in the case of elections for mayor and municipality head in local self-government units with a population not exceeding 3,000.
Source
"The total amount of election campaign costs per candidate or per list of candidates shall not exceed the following amounts: – HRK 600,000.00 (six hundred thousand) in the case of elections for county prefect and mayor of major cities. – HRK 250,000.00 (two hundred and fifty thousand) in the case of elections for city and municipality head in local self-government units with a population exceeding 10,000; The total amount of election campaign costs in the elections for President of the Republic of Croatia, in the elections for municipality head, city mayor, county prefect and mayor of the City of Zagreb, and for deputy municipality head, city mayor, and county prefect elected from among members of national minorities may be increased by 20% of the total maximum amount determined in paragraph (1)(i),(iv),(v),(vi),(vii) and (viii) of this Article, or paragraph (3) of this Article for candidates who reach the second and the third rounds of elections. The total amount of election campaign costs may be further increased by the same percentage for every subsequent election round. If the total amount of donations received for the financing of election campaign costs exceeds the eligible amount of election campaign costs laid down in paragraph (1) of this Article, political parties, leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of groups of voters and candidates shall return the total amount of donations exceeding the eligible amount of election campaign costs to their payers, in proportion to the value of any such received donation not later than the time limit prescribed for the submission of the election campaign financing statement referred to in Article 34 of this Act." Source: Article 17, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities? |
Code
Yes, third parties banned from campaign spending
Source
"There shall be no financing of political parties, independent MPs, members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, independent lists or lists of a group of voters and candidates by: Source: Article 22, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
|
45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
|
46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist? |
Code
No
|
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances? |
Code
Yes
Source
"Political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters shall prepare and submit their financial statements as stipulated in the accounting regulations applicable to non-profit organizations, regardless of the value of their assets and amount of earned revenue. Together with the annual financial statements referred to in paragraph (2) of this Article and as an integral component thereof, political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters shall provide: Source: Article 30, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Source
"Political parties and leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of a group of voters and candidates receiving any funds paid into their special accounts to finance their election campaigns shall, within the time limit specified in paragraph (5) of this Article, submit reports on donations received to finance their election campaigns and reports on their election campaign expenses, including information updated to the day of the submission thereof, to relevant electoral commissions." Source: Article 24, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Source
"Political parties and leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of a group of voters and candidates receiving any funds paid into their special accounts to finance their election campaigns shall, within the time limit specified in paragraph (5) of this Article, submit reports on donations received to finance their election campaigns and reports on their election campaign expenses, including information updated to the day of the submission thereof, to relevant electoral commissions." Source: Article 24, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances? |
Code
Third parties are banned from participating in campaigns
|
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public? |
Code
Yes
Source
"Annual financial statements of political parties, independent MPs and members of the representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters referred to in Article 30 of this Act, and the financial statements on the financing of election campaigns of political parties, leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of a group of voters and candidates, as specified in Article 34 of this Act, shall be public documents. Political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters shall publish annual financial statements on their websites by 1 March of the current year for the previous year." Source: Article 39, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included)
|
52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors? |
Code
Yes
Source
"Political parties and leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of a group of voters and candidates receiving any funds paid into their special accounts to finance their election campaigns shall, within the time limit specified in paragraph (5) of this Article, submit reports on donations received to finance their election campaigns and reports on their election campaign expenses, including information updated to the day of the submission thereof, to relevant electoral commissions. The reports referred to in paragraph (1) of this Article shall be submitted by using a form laid down in an ordinance to be passed by the Minister of Finance. Source: Article 24, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income? |
Code
Yes
Source
" "Political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters shall prepare and submit their financial statements as stipulated in the accounting regulations applicable to non-profit organizations, regardless of the value of their assets and amount of earned revenue. Together with the annual financial statements referred to in paragraph (2) of this Article and as an integral component thereof, political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters shall provide: Source: Article 30, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) " |
54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending? |
Code
Yes
Source
"A report on election campaign costs (expenses) shall contain information specifying the purpose of any cost, the name and address of any recipient, the date of payment, the amount paid or, in the case of donations by way of products or services, the market value of any such product or service, specified on an invoice which is not subject to payment." Source: Article 24, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates? |
Code
Comment
State Audit Office and State Election Commission Source
"Political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters shall prepare and submit their financial statements as stipulated in the accounting regulations applicable to non-profit organizations, regardless of the value of their assets and amount of earned revenue. Together with the annual financial statements referred to in paragraph (2) of this Article and as an integral component thereof, political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters shall provide: Source: Article 30, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
EMB
Source
"The State Election Commission shall oversee the annual financial operations and annual financial statements of political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters and carry out other tasks under its competence." Source: Article 27, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included |
57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
Carry out investigation
Request additional information from potential violator
Request additional information from others
Impose sanctions
Comment
"When exercising its control function, the State Election Commission may request any information as may be required thereby from the State Audit Office. Source: Article 27, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) "If so requested by the State Election Commission, political parties, leaders of independent lists or leaders of lists of a group of voters and candidates shall, along with their financial statements on the financing of the election campaign, submit thereto all the required documentation." Source: Article 35, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) "Decisions of the State Election Commission on the imposition of an administrative sanction may not be appealed but an administrative dispute may be initiated. Source: Article 40, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions? |
Code
Source
"Notwithstanding their liability for any offence, the following administrative sanctions may be imposed on political parties, leaders of independent lists or leaders of a list of a group voters and candidates in administrative proceedings for the breach of any provisions of this Act pertaining to the maximum amount of election campaign costs, the disclosure of information on donations and election campaign costs and financial statements on the financing of election campaigns: Source: Article 40, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) "Notwithstanding their liability for any offence, if political parties, independent MPs and members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government elected from a list of a group of voters fail to submit their annual financial statements, including the required enclosures, to the State Audit Office and the State Election Commission within the specified time limit as stipulated in Article 30 of this Act, the payment of funds for their regular annual financing from the state budget or from the budgets of local and regional self-government units shall be suspended." Source: Article 41, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) "A fine shall be imposed on: Source: Article 43, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) "Assets acquired by political parties, independent MPs, members of representative bodies of local and regional self-government units elected from a list of a group of voters, leaders of independent lists or of lists of a group of voters and candidates through the commission of offences referred to in this Act shall be seized in accordance with the provisions of a special law." Source: Article 48, POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCING ACT (consolidated text) 2013, (with 2016 amendment included) |
