Gov't to set ceiling on loans to political parties

The government is raising the issue of changing the current framework for loans to political parties while SYRIZA deputies Stathis Panagoulis and Nasos Athanassiou are asking for details over PASOK and New Democracy's loan obligations.

     "The issue of bank loans to political parties is a major one and is directly linked to the elimination of vested interests and the proper functioning of Democracy," Interior and Administration Reconstruction Minister Nikos Voutsis said in a document submitted to the Parliament.
     "We focus - as part of a comprehensive legislative initiative on the status of political parties, together with the relevant ministries - on the reform of the current framework of bank lending to political parties, aiming at boosting transparency, encouraging the equal treatment of political parties and ensuring their independence," he noted.

The document was submitted to the Parliament following a question by Independent Greeks (ANEL) parliamentary group secretary Nikos Nikolopoulos.

State Minister Panagiotis Nikoloudis said that stricter rules on the legislation regarding the loans to political parties are included in the list of reform proposals sent to the European partners and institutions, such as setting a ceiling on loans by financial and other institutions.

      "The illegal financing of political parties is considered corruption and it will be treated as such," the Minister of State said.

He added that any complaints about violations of the existing legislation are considered by the Audit Committee of party finances.

ANA-MPA