OSCE Mission, Croatian officials discuss draft law on financing of political parties

ZAGREB, 11 September 2006 - A draft law on the financing of political parties was discussed at a conference held in the Croatian Parliament today.

The event was organized by the OSCE Mission to Croatia and the Central State Administration Office, with the assistance of the non-governmental organizations Transparency International Croatia and GONG. It was opened by Parliament Speaker Vladimir Seks, Prime Minister Ivo Sanader and Ambassador Jorge Fuentes.

Speaking at the event, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Croatia, Ambassador Fuentes, welcomed the willingness of the Government and Parliament to hold a public discussion of the new law. "The fact that the draft is being discussed in such an inclusive process will enable a high degree of consensus during its adoption," he said.

Prime Minister Ivo Sanader added that the law would enable full transparency of the financing of the political parties and was part of the Government's strategy to fight corruption. "It is our strong commitment to fully implement the rule of law in all pores of the Croatian society," he said.

Parliament Speaker Vladimir Seks pointed out that the draft law was of extreme importance for the political moment Croatia is currently in, saying: "Such a law is an unavoidable step in both home and foreign affairs' plan."

State Secretary Antun Palaric, who spoke on behalf of the Central State Administration Office, added: "We want a whole and transparent law on the financing of political parties in order to remove any suspicion of corruption."

Participants at the meeting agreed that more work was needed on the draft. The financing of electoral campaigns should be addressed, measures preventing excessive funding of political parties have to be identified, as well as mechanisms which would guarantee independent and professional monitoring.