Political Finance Database

Germany

Germany

Bans and limits on private income
Public funding
Regulations of spending
Reporting, oversight and sanctions
Question Value
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties?
Code
Yes
Comment

The Political Parties Act § 25 prohibits donations from foreign interests to German political parties, except in narrowly defined cases involving EU citizens, German-owned companies abroad, or political cooperation within Europe.

Source

§ 25 (2) Nr. 3 Parteiengesetz (PartG)
Von der Befugnis der Parteien, Spenden anzunehmen, ausgeschlossen sind:
Spenden von außerhalb des Geltungsbereiches dieses Gesetzes, es sei denn, dass
a) diese Spenden aus dem Vermögen eines Deutschen im Sinne des Grundgesetzes, eines Bürgers der Europäischen Union oder eines Wirtschaftsunternehmens, dessen Anteile sich zu mehr als 50 % im Eigentum von Deutschen im Sinne des Grundgesetzes oder eines Bürgers der Europäischen Union befinden oder dessen Hauptsitz in einem Mitgliedstaat der Europäischen Union ist,
unmittelbar einer Partei zufließen,
b) es sich um Spenden an Parteien nationaler Minderheiten in ihrer angestammten Heimat handelt, die diesen aus Staaten zugewendet werden, die an die Bundesrepublik Deutschland angrenzen und in denen Angehörige ihrer Volkszugehörigkeit leben,
c) es sich um eine Spende eines Ausländers von nicht mehr als 1.000 Euro handelt.

Section 25 (2) No. 3 Political Parties Act 
The following shall be excluded from the right of political parties to accept donations:
Donations from sources outside the territorial scope of this Act, unless:
a) these donations accrue directly to a political party from the assets of a German as defined by the Basic Law, a citizen of the European Union, or a business enterprise of whose shares more than 50 per cent are owned by Germans as defined by the Basic Law or by a citizen of the European Union, or whose registered office is located in a Member State of the European Union;
b) they are donations transferred to parties of national minorities in their traditional settlement areas from countries which are adjacent to the Federal Republic of Germany and where members of their ethnic group live;
c) it is a donation not exceeding 1,000 euros made by a foreigner.

Available at: https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates?
Code
No
Comment

Legal Situation on Donations to Candidates in Germany 
No explicit legal ban exists on donations to individual candidates in German law. The Political Parties Act (PartG) regulates donations primarily to political parties, not to individual candidates.
- For party-affiliated candidates, donations are typically treated as party donations, and thus the donation ban in § 25 PartG applies indirectly through party internal rules.
- For members of parliament, the Code of Conduct (Verhaltensregeln) refers to the PartG, meaning the donation ban also applies.
- For independent candidates, there is currently no clear legal regulation, creating a regulatory gap that could allow influence via direct donations.

Source
3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties?
Code
Yes
Comment

The Political Parties Act § 25 prohibits corporate donations to political parties, except in narrowly defined cases of Section 25 (2) No. 3. "business enterprise of whose shares more than 50 per cent are owned by Germans as defined by the Basic Law or by a citizen of the European Union, or whose registered office is located in a Member State of the European Union.

Source

§ 25 (2) Nr. 3 Parteiengesetz (PartG)
Von der Befugnis der Parteien, Spenden anzunehmen, ausgeschlossen sind:
Spenden von außerhalb des Geltungsbereiches dieses Gesetzes, es sei denn, dass a) diese Spenden aus dem Vermögen eines Deutschen im Sinne des Grundgesetzes, eines Bürgers der Europäischen Union oder eines Wirtschaftsunternehmens, dessen Anteile sich zu mehr als 50 % im Eigentum von Deutschen im Sinne des Grundgesetzes oder eines Bürgers der Europäischen Union befinden oder dessen Hauptsitz in einem Mitgliedstaat der Europäischen Union ist, unmittelbar einer Partei zufließen,

Section 25 (2) No. 3 Political Parties Act 
The following shall be excluded from the right of political parties to accept donations:
Donations from sources outside the territorial scope of this Act, unless:
a) these donations accrue directly to a political party from the assets of a German as defined by the Basic Law, a citizen of the European Union, or a business enterprise of whose shares more than 50 percent are owned by Germans as defined by the Basic Law or by a citizen of the European Union, or whose registered office is located in a Member State of the European Union;

Available at: https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates?
Code
No
Comment

Legal Situation on Donations to Candidates in Germany 
No explicit legal ban exists on donations to individual candidates in German law. The Political Parties Act (PartG) regulates donations primarily to political parties, not to individual candidates.
- For party-affiliated candidates, donations are typically treated as party donations, and thus the donation ban in § 25 PartG applies indirectly through party internal rules.
- For members of parliament, the Code of Conduct (Verhaltensregeln) refers to the PartG, meaning the donation ban also applies.
- For independent candidates, there is currently no clear legal regulation, creating a regulatory gap that could allow influence via direct donations.

Source
5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties?
Code
Yes
Source

§ 25 (2) Nr. 4 PartG


Von der Befugnis der Parteien, Spenden anzunehmen, ausgeschlossen sind: Spenden von Berufsverbänden, die diesen mit der Maßgabe zugewandt wurden, sie an eine politische Partei weiterzuleiten, sind unzulässig.


Section 25 (2) No. 4 Political Parties Act


The following shall be excluded from the right of political parties to accept donations: Donations from professional organizations, which were made to the latter subject to the proviso that such funds be passed on to a political party, are prohibited.

Available at: https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates?
Code
No
Comment

Legal Situation on Donations to Candidates in Germany 
No explicit legal ban exists on donations to individual candidates in German law. The Political Parties Act (PartG) regulates donations primarily to political parties, not to individual candidates.
- For party-affiliated candidates, donations are typically treated as party donations, and thus the donation ban in § 25 PartG applies indirectly through party internal rules.
- For members of parliament, the Code of Conduct (Verhaltensregeln) refers to the PartG, meaning the donation ban also applies.
- For independent candidates, there is currently no clear legal regulation, creating a regulatory gap that could allow influence via direct donations.

Source
7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties?
Code
Yes, above certain threshold
Comment

Donations above 500,- Euro

Source

Source:

Section 25 (2) No. 6 Political Party Act

Spenden von mehr als 500 Euro,
– bei denen der Spender nicht festgestellt werden kann, oder
– die erkennbar als Spende eines nicht genannten Dritten weitergeleitet werden,
sind unzulässig.

The following shall be excluded from the right of political parties to accept donations:
– any donations exceeding 500 euros each,
– which are made by an unidentified donor, or
– which evidently are passed on as a donation by unnamed third parties.

Available at: 

https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates?
Code
No
Comment

Legal Situation on Donations to Candidates in Germany 
No explicit legal ban exists on donations to individual candidates in German law. The Political Parties Act (PartG) regulates donations primarily to political parties, not to individual candidates.
- For party-affiliated candidates, donations are typically treated as party donations, and thus the donation ban in § 25 PartG applies indirectly through party internal rules.
- For members of parliament, the Code of Conduct (Verhaltensregeln) refers to the PartG, meaning the donation ban also applies.
- For independent candidates, there is currently no clear legal regulation, creating a regulatory gap that could allow influence via direct donations.

Source
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties?
Code
No
Comment

Legal Situation on Donations to Candidates in Germany 
No explicit legal ban exists on donations to individual candidates in German law. The Political Parties Act (PartG) regulates donations primarily to political parties, not to individual candidates.
- For party-affiliated candidates, donations are typically treated as party donations, and thus the donation ban in § 25 PartG applies indirectly through party internal rules.
- For members of parliament, the Code of Conduct (Verhaltensregeln) refers to the PartG, meaning the donation ban also applies.
- For independent candidates, there is currently no clear legal regulation, creating a regulatory gap that could allow influence via direct donations.

Source
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates?
Code
No
Comment

Legal Situation on Donations to Candidates in Germany 
No explicit legal ban exists on donations to individual candidates in German law. The Political Parties Act (PartG) regulates donations primarily to political parties, not to individual candidates.
- For party-affiliated candidates, donations are typically treated as party donations, and thus the donation ban in § 25 PartG applies indirectly through party internal rules.
- For members of parliament, the Code of Conduct (Verhaltensregeln) refers to the PartG, meaning the donation ban also applies.
- For independent candidates, there is currently no clear legal regulation, creating a regulatory gap that could allow influence via direct donations.

Source
11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties?
Code
Yes
Source

Source:

Section 25 (2) No. 5 Political Party Act

(DE)
Spenden von Unternehmen,
– die ganz oder teilweise im Eigentum der öffentlichen Hand stehen oder
– die von ihr verwaltet oder betrieben werden,
sofern die direkte Beteiligung der öffentlichen Hand mehr als 25 % beträgt,
sind unzulässig.

(EN)

Donations from enterprises
– that are fully or partly in public ownership or
– are managed or operated by public agencies
if the state’s direct participation amounts to more than 25 percent,
shall not be accepted.

Available at: https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates?
Code
No
Comment

Legal Situation on Donations to Candidates in Germany 
No explicit legal ban exists on donations to individual candidates in German law. The Political Parties Act (PartG) regulates donations primarily to political parties, not to individual candidates.
- For party-affiliated candidates, donations are typically treated as party donations, and thus the donation ban in § 25 PartG applies indirectly through party internal rules.
- For members of parliament, the Code of Conduct (Verhaltensregeln) refers to the PartG, meaning the donation ban also applies.
- For independent candidates, there is currently no clear legal regulation, creating a regulatory gap that could allow influence via direct donations.

Source
13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate?
Code
Yes
Comment

The use of state resources in favour of or against a political party or candidate is prohibited. Although there is no single explicit statutory article titled “ban on the use of state resources,” the prohibition arises from constitutional principles and the Political Parties Act.

Source

Source:

BVerfGE 44, 125 (146 ff.) – “Language Directive” ruling (1977); BVerfGE 138, 102 (para. 63 ff.)

(DE)

Verfassungsprinzip der staatlichen Neutralität

Unter dem Grundgesetz ist der Staat verpflichtet, im politischen Wettbewerb neutral zu bleiben.
Dieses Neutralitätsgebot ergibt sich insbesondere aus: Art. 20 Abs. 2 GG – Demokratieprinzip / Volkssouveränität, das freien und gleichen Wettbewerb politischer Akteure voraussetzt; Art. 21 GG – Gleichbehandlung und Chancengleichheit politischer Parteien bei der politischen Willensbildung.
Das Bundesverfassungsgericht (BVerfG) hat mehrfach entschieden, dass staatliche Organe und Amtsträger keine öffentlichen Mittel, Autorität oder Kommunikationskanäle dafür einsetzen dürfen, um Parteien oder Kandidaten zu bevorzugen oder zu benachteiligen.
"Der Einsatz amtlicher Autorität oder öffentlicher Mittel zu parteipolitischen Zwecken verletzt das aus Art. 21 Abs. 1 GG folgende Gebot der Chancengleichheit der Parteien.“

(EN)

Constitutional Principle of State Neutrality

Under the Basic Law (Grundgesetz), the state must remain neutral in the political competition between parties and candidates.
This principle derives from: Article 20 (2) GG – sovereignty of the people, requiring free and equal competition among political actors; Article 21 GG – guaranteeing political parties equal opportunities in the formation of political will.
The Federal Constitutional Court (BVerfG) has repeatedly held that state organs and public officials must not use public resources, authority, or communication channels to favour or disadvantage any party or candidate.
“The use of official authority or public resources for party-political purposes violates the principle of equal opportunity of parties guaranteed by Article 21 (1) GG.”

Available at: 
https://dejure.org/dienste/vernetzung/rechtsprechung?Gericht=BVerfG&Datum=02.03.1977&Aktenzeichen=2%20BvE%201%2F76

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gg/

 

14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period?
Code
No
Comment

No period distinction; no donation limit. Publication required based on amount.

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
Not applicable
16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election?
Code
No
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
Not applicable
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate?
Code
No
19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit?
Code
Not applicable
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign?
Code
No
21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties?
Code
No
22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates?
Code
No
23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities?
Code
No
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
Sometimes
Source

Source:

Section 25 (1) Political Party Act

(DE)
Spenden bis zu einem Betrag von 1.000 Euro dürfen in bar geleistet werden.

(EN)
Donations of up to 1,000 euros may be made in cash.

Available at: 

https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

Question Value
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties?
Code
Yes, regularly
Source

Source:

Section 18 Principles and extent of public funding

(DE)
(1) ¹Die Parteien erhalten Mittel als Teilfinanzierung der allgemein ihnen nach dem Grundgesetz obliegenden Tätigkeit. ²Maßstäbe für die Verteilung der staatlichen Mittel bilden der Erfolg, den eine Partei bei den Wählern bei Europa-, Bundestags- und Landtagswahlen erzielt, die Summe ihrer Mitglieds- und Mandatsträgerbeiträge sowie der Umfang der von ihr eingeworbenen Spenden.

(EN)
(1) Political parties shall receive funds as partial financing of the activities generally assigned to them under the Basic Law. The criteria for the allocation of public funds shall be the proportion of votes won by a political party in European, Bundestag and Landtag [State parliament] elections; the total amount of its membership dues and contributions from holders of elected public office, and the amount of donations received.

Available at: 

https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding?
Code
  • Participation in election
  • Representation in elected body
  • Registration as a political party
  • Share of votes in previous election
Source

Source:

Section 18 (4) Political Party Act

(DE)
¹Anspruch auf staatliche Mittel gemäß Absatz 3 Nr. 1 und 3 haben Parteien, die nach dem endgültigen Wahlergebnis der jeweils letzten Europa- oder Bundestagswahl mindestens 0,5 vom Hundert oder einer Landtagswahl 1,0 vom Hundert der für die Listen abgegebenen gültigen Stimmen erreicht haben; für Zahlungen nach Absatz 3 Satz 1 Nr. 1 und Satz 2 muss die Partei diese Voraussetzungen bei der jeweiligen Wahl erfüllen.
²Anspruch auf die staatlichen Mittel gemäß Absatz 3 Nr. 2 haben Parteien, die nach dem endgültigen Wahlergebnis 10 vom Hundert der in einem Wahl- oder Stimmkreis abgegebenen gültigen Stimmen erreicht haben.
³Die Sätze 1 und 2 gelten nicht für Parteien nationaler Minderheiten.

(EN)
(4) Political parties which, according to the final result of the most recent elections to the European Parliament or to the Bundestag, received at least 0.5 per cent, or in an election to a Landtag, received 1 per cent of the valid votes cast for party lists shall be entitled to public funds pursuant to para. 3, nos. 1 and 3; in order to qualify for payments under para. 3, 1st sentence, no. 1, and 2nd sentence, a party must meet these requirements in the election concerned.
Parties which, according to the final election result, obtained 10 per cent of the valid votes cast in a constituency or polling district shall be entitled to public funds pursuant to para. 3, no. 2.
The 1st and 2nd sentences shall not apply to political parties of national minorities.

Available at:
https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding?
Code
Proportional to votes received Flat rate by votes received Other
Comment

Other: The total amount of its membership dues and contributions from holders of elected public office, and the amount of donations received.

Source

Source:

Section 18 (1) Political Party Act 

(DE)
¹Die Parteien erhalten Mittel als Teilfinanzierung der allgemein ihnen nach dem Grundgesetz obliegenden Tätigkeit.
²Maßstäbe für die Verteilung der staatlichen Mittel bilden der Erfolg, den eine Partei bei den Wählern bei Europa-, Bundestags- und Landtagswahlen erzielt, die Summe ihrer Mitglieds- und Mandatsträgerbeiträge sowie der Umfang der von ihr eingeworbenen Spenden.

(EN)
Political parties shall receive funds as partial financing of the activities generally assigned to them under the Basic Law.
The criteria for the allocation of public funds shall be the proportion of votes won by a political party in European, Bundestag and Landtag [State parliament] elections; the total amount of its membership dues and contributions from holders of elected public office, and the amount of donations received.

Available at:
https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)?
Code
No
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
Code
No
Source

(DE)

Wahlwerbung 
Die Wahlwerbung ist gesetzlich nicht geregelt.
Die grundsätzliche Möglichkeit der Wahlwerbung wird geschützt durch
– Artikel 5 Absatz 1 Grundgesetz (GG) (Pressefreiheit),
– Artikel 5 Absatz 3 GG (Kunstfreiheit) und
– Artikel 21 GG (Parteienprivileg).

(EN)

Election advertising
Election advertising is not regulated by law.
However, the fundamental possibility of election advertising is protected by
– Article 5(1) of the Basic Law (GG) (freedom of the press),
– Article 5(3) GG (freedom of art), and
– Article 21 GG (privilege of political parties).

Available at:
https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/service/glossar/w/wahlwerbung.html

33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
Code
Other
Comment

Access to airtime for election advertising
Television and radio broadcasters must provide participating parties with appropriate airtime for election advertising, proportional to the party’s significance.
This airtime is provided against reimbursement of production costs (self-costs), not free of charge.

Source

(DE)

Wahlwerbung 
Die Wahlwerbung ist gesetzlich nicht geregelt.
Die grundsätzliche Möglichkeit der Wahlwerbung wird geschützt durch
– Artikel 5 Absatz 1 Grundgesetz (GG) (Pressefreiheit),
– Artikel 5 Absatz 3 GG (Kunstfreiheit) und
– Artikel 21 GG (Parteienprivileg).

(EN)

Election advertising
Election advertising is not regulated by law.
However, the fundamental possibility of election advertising is protected by
– Article 5(1) of the Basic Law (GG) (freedom of the press),
– Article 5(3) GG (freedom of art), and
– Article 21 GG (privilege of political parties).

Available at:
https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/service/glossar/w/wahlwerbung.html

34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates?
Code
No
35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding?
Code
Yes
Comment

Indirect Public Funding for Political Parties

– Subsidized Media Access:
Parties receive airtime on public broadcasters (and in some cases private broadcasters) for election advertising at self-cost reimbursement, proportional to the party’s electoral significance.

– Access to Public Spaces for Campaigning:
Parties are allowed to use streets, squares, and public facilities for: Posters and billboards; Loudspeakers and megaphones; Information booths.
Permissions are granted by local municipalities, often at minimal or no cost, thereby reducing campaign expenses.

– Discounted Postage:
Parties benefit from reduced postage rates for election-related mail sent to voters, lowering communication costs.

– Tax Advantages:
Political parties enjoy tax privileges, including: Tax-deductible donations for donors; Reduced taxation on party income and certain assets.

– Political Foundations:
Many parties operate affiliated political foundations that receive public funding for: Civic education and political training programs; Research and international cooperation
These foundations enable parties to fulfill educational and societal functions without directly burdening party budgets.

– Access to Public Information:
Parties receive official election data and government information to support campaigning, reducing the need for private data collection.

Source

These benefits are not part of the Political Party Act, but rather spread across different laws.

36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates?
Code
No
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
Yes
Source

Source:

Section 108b German Criminal Code – Bribing voters

(DE)
(1) Wer einem anderen dafür, dass er nicht oder in einem bestimmten Sinne wähle, Geschenke oder andere Vorteile anbietet, verspricht oder gewährt, wird mit Freiheitsstrafe bis zu fünf Jahren oder mit Geldstrafe bestraft.
(2) Ebenso wird bestraft, wer dafür, dass er nicht oder in einem bestimmten Sinne wähle, Geschenke oder andere Vorteile fordert, sich versprechen lässt oder annimmt.

(EN)
(1) Whoever offers, promises or grants another person gifts or other benefits in exchange for not voting or for voting in a particular manner shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine.
(2) The same penalty shall apply to anyone who demands, allows themselves to be promised or accepts gifts or other benefits for not voting or for voting in a particular manner.

Available at:
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stgb/__108b.html

 

39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend?
Code
No
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
No
42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit?
Code
Not applicable
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities?
Code
No
Comment

Spending of third parties on election campaings of a political party are considered a donation.

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

Source:

Fünfter Abschnitt "Rechenschaftslegung" / Section 5 "Accountability" of the Political Parties Act

Section 23 Political Parties Act – Obligation to submit a public statement of accounts

(DE)

(1) Der Vorstand der Partei hat über die Herkunft und die Verwendung der Mittel sowie über das Vermögen der Partei zum Ende des Kalenderjahres (Rechnungsjahr) in einem Rechenschaftsbericht wahrheitsgemäß und nach bestem Wissen und Gewissen öffentlich Rechenschaft zu geben.

(EN)

1) At the end of the calendar year (accounting year), the party’s Executive Committee shall, truthfully and to the best of its knowledge and belief, publicly account for the origin and use of funds and the party’s assets in a statement of accounts.

Available at:
https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances?
Code
No
49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances?
Code
No
50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances?
Code
No
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public?
Code
Yes
Source

Source:

Section 23 (2) Political Parties Act

(DE)
Der Präsident des Deutschen Bundestages kann untestiert eingereichte Rechenschaftsberichte veröffentlichen.

(EN)
The President of the German Bundestag may publish statements of accounts submitted in unaudited form.

Available at:
https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors?
Code
Sometimes
Comment

Reports from political parties must disclose the identity of donors for individual donations exceeding €500. Donations and contributions from officeholders exceeding €10,000 per year must be recorded in the accountability report with donor names and addresses. Large donations exceeding €35,000 must be immediately reported to the President of the German Bundestag, who publishes them publicly.

Source

Source:

Section 25 (2) No. 6 Political Parties Act

(DE)
Spenden, soweit sie im Einzelfall mehr als 500 Euro betragen und deren Spender nicht feststellbar sind, oder bei denen es sich erkennbar um die Weiterleitung einer Spende eines nicht genannten Dritten handelt.

(EN)
Donations exceeding €500 individually, whose donors cannot be identified, or donations that are evidently forwarded from an unnamed third party.

Source:

Section 25 (3) Political Parties Act

(DE)
(3) 1 Spenden, Mitgliedsbeiträge und Mandatsträgerbeiträge an eine Partei oder einen oder mehrere ihrer Gebietsverbände, deren Gesamtwert in einem Kalenderjahr (Rechnungsjahr) 10.000 Euro übersteigt, sind unter Angabe des Namens und der Anschrift des Zuwenders oder anderer Angaben, die eine Identifikation der Person vergleichbar ermöglichen, sowie der Gesamthöhe der Zuwendung im Rechenschaftsbericht zu verzeichnen.
2 Spenden, die im Einzelfall die Höhe von 35.000 Euro übersteigen, sind dem Präsidenten des Deutschen Bundestages unverzüglich anzuzeigen.
3 Dieser veröffentlicht die Zuwendung unter Angabe des Zuwenders zeitnah als Bundestagsdrucksache.

(EN)
(3) 1 Donations, membership fees, and contributions from officeholders to a party or one or more of its regional associations, whose total value exceeds €10,000 in a calendar year (accounting year), must be recorded in the accountability report, including the name and address of the donor or other information enabling comparable identification, as well as the total amount of the donation.
2 Donations that individually exceed €35,000 must be reported immediately to the President of the German Bundestag.
3 The President shall publish the donation including the donor’s name promptly as a Bundestag printed document.

Available at:
https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income?
Code
Yes
Comment

Only political parties, not candidates

Source

Source:

Section 26 Political Parties Act – Definition of 'income'

(DE)
(1) Einnahmen im Sinne dieses Gesetzes sind alle Vermögensvorteile, die einer Partei zufließen, gleich aus welchem Rechtsgrund.

(EN)
(1) Income within the meaning of this Act comprises all economic benefits accruing to a party, regardless of the legal basis.

Source:

Section 27 Political Parties Act – Individual types of income

(DE)
(1) Einnahmen sind insbesondere:
Mitgliedsbeiträge, Mandatsträgerbeiträge, Spenden, Zuwendungen aus öffentlichen Mitteln, Einnahmen aus der Vermögensverwaltung und anderen Einnahmequellen.

(EN)
(1) Income includes in particular:
Membership fees, contributions from officeholders, donations, grants from public funds, income from asset management, and other sources of income.

Source:

Section 27a Political Parties Act – Advertising Measures by Third Parties

(DE)
Werbemaßnahmen Dritter gelten als Einnahmen, wenn die Partei deren Einstellung nicht unverzüglich nach Kenntnis verlangt.

(EN)
Advertising measures by third parties are considered income if the party does not immediately demand their cessation upon becoming aware of them.

Available at: https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending?
Code
Yes
Comment

Only political parties, not candidates

Source

Source:

Section 26a Political Parties Act – Definition of 'expenditure'

(DE)
(1) 1 Ausgabe ist, soweit für einzelne Ausgabearten (§ 24 Abs. 5) nichts Besonderes gilt, auch jede von der Partei erbrachte Geldleistung oder geldwerte Leistung sowie die Nutzung von Einnahmen nach § 26 Abs. 1 Satz 2, die die Partei erlangt hat.
2 Als Ausgabe gelten auch planmäßige und außerplanmäßige Abschreibungen auf Vermögensgegenstände und die Bildung von Rückstellungen.

(EN)
(1) 1 Expenditure, unless otherwise specified for particular types of expenditure (§ 24 (5)), also includes any monetary payment or non-monetary benefit provided by the party as well as the use of income pursuant to Section 26 (1) sentence 2, which the party has obtained.
2 Expenditure also includes scheduled and unscheduled depreciation of assets and the creation of provisions.

Available at:
https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates?
Code
Other
Comment

Bundestagpräsidentin is the central authority responsible for receiving, reviewing, and publishing financial reports from political parties. Candidates are not requierd to submit financial reports.

Source

Source:

Section 26a Political Parties Act

(DE)
Er ist entsprechend der Frist nach § 19a Abs. 3 Satz 1 erster Halbsatz beim Präsidenten des Deutschen Bundestages einzureichen und von diesem als Bundestagsdrucksache zu verteilen. [...] Der Präsident des Deutschen Bundestages kann untestiert eingereichte Rechenschaftsberichte veröffentlichen.
[...]
Der Präsident des Deutschen Bundestages erstattet dem Deutschen Bundestag alle zwei Jahre über die Entwicklung der Parteienfinanzen sowie über die Rechenschaftsberichte der Parteien Bericht.

(EN)
The report must be submitted in due time in accordance with § 19a (3) sentence 1 (first half) to the President of the German Bundestag and distributed by him as a Bundestag printed paper. [...] The President of the German Bundestag may publish statements of accounts submitted in unaudited form.
[...]
The President of the German Bundestag shall report to the German Bundestag every two years on the trend in the financial situation of the parties and on the parties’ statements of account.

Available at:
https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations?
Code
  • Other
  • Auditing agency
Comment

Bundestagspräsidentin and Auditing Agency

Source

Source:

Section 23 (3) sentence 1 Political Parties Act 

(DE)
Der Präsident des Deutschen Bundestages prüft gemäß § 23a, ob der Rechenschaftsbericht den Vorschriften des Fünften Abschnitts entspricht.

(EN)
The President of the German Bundestag shall examine, in accordance with Section 23a, whether the statement of accounts complies with the provisions of the Fifth Section.

Source:

Section 23 (2) sentence 1 Political Parties Act

(DE)
Der Rechenschaftsbericht muss von einem Wirtschaftsprüfer oder einer Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft nach den Vorschriften der §§ 29 bis 31 geprüft werden.

(EN)
The statement of accounts must be audited by a certified public accountant or an auditing firm in accordance with the provisions of Sections 29 to 31.

Source:

Section 21 (2) Political Parties Act 

(DE)
Der Bundesrechnungshof prüft, ob der Präsident des Deutschen Bundestages als mittelverwaltende Stelle die staatlichen Mittel entsprechend den Vorschriften dieses Abschnitts festgesetzt und ausgezahlt hat, sowie die ordnungsgemäße Durchführung der Verfahren gemäß § 23a.

(EN)
The Federal Court of Auditors shall examine whether the President of the German Bundestag, in his capacity as an intermediate administrative body, has determined and disbursed the public funds in accordance with the provisions of this section, and whether the procedures under Section 23a have been properly implemented.

Available at:
https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations?
Code
Carry out investigation
Comment

request additional information from potential violator; impose sanctions

Source

Source:

Section 23 – Obligation of Public Accountability

Section 23a – Examination of the Statement of Accounts

(DE)
(1) Der Präsident des Deutschen Bundestages prüft den vorgelegten Rechenschaftsbericht auf formale und inhaltliche Richtigkeit. Er stellt fest, ob der Rechenschaftsbericht den Vorschriften des Fünften Abschnitts entspricht. 
(2) Liegen dem Präsidenten des Deutschen Bundestages konkrete Anhaltspunkte dafür vor, dass im Rechenschaftsbericht einer Partei enthaltene Angaben unrichtig sind, gibt dieser der betroffenen Partei Gelegenheit zur Stellungnahme. 
Buzer

(3) Der Präsident des Deutschen Bundestages prüft gemäß § 23a, ob der Rechenschaftsbericht den Vorschriften des Fünften Abschnitts entspricht.

(EN)
(1) The President of the German Bundestag shall examine the submitted statement of accounts for formal and substantive correctness. He shall determine whether the statement of accounts complies with the provisions of the Fifth Section.
(2) If the President of the German Bundestag has concrete indications that information contained in a party’s statement of accounts is incorrect, he shall give the affected party the opportunity to comment.
(3) The President of the German Bundestag shall examine, in accordance with Section 23a, whether the statement of accounts complies with the provisions of the Fifth Section.

Available at
https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions?
Code
  • Fines
  • Prison
  • Forfeiture
  • Loss of public funding
  • Suspension of political party
Source

Source:

Section 31a Political Parties Act – Recovery of State Funding

(DE)
(1) Soweit im Rechenschaftsbericht Zuwendungen (§ 18 Abs. 3 Satz 1 Nr. 3) zu Unrecht ausgewiesen worden sind und dadurch der Betrag der der Partei zustehenden staatlichen Mittel unrichtig festgesetzt worden ist, nimmt der Präsident des Deutschen Bundestages die gemäß § 19a Abs. 1 erfolgte Festsetzung der staatlichen Mittel zurück. Dies gilt nicht, wenn die Berichtigung im Rechenschaftsbericht für das folgende Jahr erfolgt (§ 23a Abs. 5 Satz 3).

(EN)
(1) If contributions (§ 18 (3) sentence 1 no. 3) are wrongly reported in the statement of accounts and as a result the amount of state funds due to the party is incorrectly determined, the President of the German Bundestag shall rescind the determination of state funds pursuant to § 19a (1). This does not apply if the correction is made in the statement of accounts for the following year (§ 23a (5) sentence 3).

Source:

Section 31d Political Parties Act – Criminal Penalties

(DE)
(1) Wer in der Absicht, die Herkunft oder die Verwendung der Mittel der Partei oder des Vermögens zu verschleiern oder die öffentliche Rechenschaftslegung zu umgehen,
unrichtige Angaben über die Einnahmen oder über das Vermögen der Partei in einem beim Präsidenten des Deutschen Bundestages eingereichten Rechenschaftsbericht bewirkt oder einen unrichtigen Rechenschaftsbericht beim Präsidenten des Deutschen Bundestages einreicht, oder
als Empfänger eine Spende in Teilbeträge zerlegt und verbucht oder verbuchen lässt, oder
entgegen § 25 Abs. 1 Satz 3 eine Spende nicht weiterleitet,
wird mit Freiheitsstrafe bis zu drei Jahren oder mit Geldstrafe bestraft. Nach Satz 1 wird nicht bestraft, wer unter den Voraussetzungen des § 23b Abs. 2 eine Selbstanzeige nach § 23b Abs. 1 für die Partei abgibt oder an der Abgabe mitwirkt.

(EN)
(1) Whoever, with the intention of concealing the origin or use of the party’s funds or assets or circumventing public accountability,
causes incorrect information about the party's income or assets in a statement of accounts submitted to the President of the German Bundestag or submits an incorrect statement of accounts to the President of the German Bundestag, or
as recipient splits a donation into partial amounts and records or has it recorded as such, or
fails to forward a donation contrary to § 25 (1) sentence 3,
shall be punished with imprisonment of up to three years or a fine. The punishment according to sentence 1 does not apply to those who, under the conditions of § 23b (2), file a voluntary disclosure for the party pursuant to § 23b (1) or cooperate in its filing.

Source:

Section 31e Political Parties Act – Administrative Fines

(DE)
(1) Ordnungswidrig handelt, wer
entgegen § 27a Absatz 1 Satz 1 eine Anzeige nicht oder nicht rechtzeitig erstattet, oder
entgegen § 27a Absatz 1 Satz 2 eine Werbemaßnahme nicht oder nicht rechtzeitig unterlässt.
(2) Die Ordnungswidrigkeit kann mit einer Geldbuße bis zu hunderttausend Euro geahndet werden. § 30 Absatz 2 Satz 3 des Gesetzes über Ordnungswidrigkeiten ist anzuwenden.
(3) Verwaltungsbehörde im Sinne des § 36 Absatz 1 Nummer 1 des Gesetzes über Ordnungswidrigkeiten ist der Bundestagspräsident.

(EN)
(1) An administrative offence is committed by anyone who
fails to submit a report or does not submit it in time contrary to § 27a (1) sentence 1, or
fails to cease an advertising measure in time contrary to § 27a (1) sentence 2.
(2) The administrative offence may be punished with a fine of up to one hundred thousand euros. § 30 (2) sentence 3 of the Administrative Offences Act shall apply.
(3) The administrative authority within the meaning of § 36 (1) no. 1 of the Administrative Offences Act is the President of the Bundestag.

Available at:
https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/dam/jcr/1aedeb82-9067-4321-acce-880ba22ddc28/parteiengesetz.pdf

 

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