Politis

€2.6 Million: Public Funds Unclaimed by Political Parties

Published January 9, 2026, 08:21
€2.6 Million: Public Funds Unclaimed by Political Parties

A total of €2.6 million in state funding, illegally allocated to political parties in 2018 and 2021, remains unreturned. Despite repeated findings of illegality, relevant authorities – the Parliament, the Law Office, and the Ministry of Finance – are avoiding responsibility for recovering the funds, citing legal ambiguities and mutual accusations. The Auditor General has requested a temporary freeze on future funding to offset the illegally paid amounts, but the final decision depends on the opinion of the Attorney General. The inaction of the institutions is causing frustration and raising questions about accountability and transparency. The lack of action is interpreted as a signal that the misappropriation of public funds can occur without consequences, undermining citizens' trust in the state and political institutions. The criticism focuses on the lack of political will to claim the funds, as well as the opacity that characterizes the management of state subsidies. The discussion highlights the need for stricter rules and control mechanisms, as well as strengthening internal democracy within parties, as a prerequisite for receiving public funding. The article concludes by emphasizing that the problem is not simply the need of parties for resources, but the ability of the state to fund political organizations without ensuring their democratic functioning and financial accountability. The perpetuation of party rule, through uncontrolled funding, is considered a mechanism that undermines the essence of democracy.