Politiniu partiju finansavimas Lietuvoje ; Finance of political parties in Lithuania: limitations of finance sources and search of political finance transparency
The relationship between money and politics and the regulation of the money role in politics have long become one of the most important and persistent questions of democratic government. Various countries in the world, including Lithuania, are trying to find the best political finance mechanisms to reduce political corruption related to political finance, and to ensure the transparency by engaging in public debate, and changing the legal regulation of political finance. This article analyzes political party finance, regulatory changes and its consequences in Lithuania, with particular emphasis on sources of funding restrictions, limitations reasons, arguments and possible consequences. The main aim of the article is to find out whether the permanent change of financing of political parties and regulatory prohibitions actually help or can help to ensure the transparency of political finance in Lithuania. First, the article provides an overview of the political finance systems. Second, the analysis of political party funding regulations in Lithuania, identifying the key stages of the regulatory changes and trends, is provided. Third, the article analyzes possible consequences of the current political party funding mechanism.