Parteiengesetz

Parteiengesetz is the German federal law that regulates political parties, their legal status, internal organization, financing, and supervision. The act defines political parties as private associations that participate in the political process and sets the rules under which they operate within the democratic system. It complements the constitutional provisions, particularly Article 21 of the Grundgesetz (Basic Law), which recognizes parties as essential components of democracy and requires them to adhere to democratic principles.

The Partiengesetz originated in 1967 and has been amended several times to strengthen transparency, accountability, and the regulation of party funding. It lays down the prerequisites for legal status, the organization of party bodies, and the rights and duties of parties in the electoral process. It also provides mechanisms to prevent activities that would undermine the free democratic order.

A central focus of the law is financing. It regulates sources of party funds, including membership fees, donations, and, in many cases, state subsidies linked to electoral results and party strength. The act establishes reporting and disclosure requirements for financial matters, sets thresholds for donor reporting, and imposes restrictions on foreign contributions and other potentially problematic funding streams. It requires parties to maintain proper accounting records and to submit financial reports to the Bundestag and other supervisory bodies.

Enforcement and oversight are carried out by parliamentary committees and, in some instances, by the Federal Audit Office. The law also provides for penalties, including loss of subsidies or legal prohibitions, for parties that violate democratic principles or the law. The Parteiengesetz thus shapes the operation and accountability of political parties in Germany and remains a focal point in debates over transparency and influence in politics.