Decision in June

Law limiting election advertising passed

In future, the upper limit for election advertising in Burgenland is to be 300,000 euros. The SPÖ is now sending the draft law for review. The decision is planned for June.

The new law on the promotion of political parties was the subject of much discussion. As reported, the most important point is the new upper limit of 300,000 euros for election advertising. The final draft is to be reviewed this week, as SPÖ party chairman Roland Fürst announced: "This is necessary so that the new law can be passed in the state parliament session in June."

If Fürst has his way, the State Court of Auditors should play a role in monitoring in future. However, this would require a two-thirds majority in parliament. It is up to the People's Party to decide whether this will be achieved. "The ÖVP must decide on Tuesday at the latest whether it agrees to this passage or not. If not, then unfortunately the State Court of Auditors will not be involved," explains the SPÖ parliamentary group leader.

Criticism of the FPÖ, praise for the Greens
With an upper limit of 300,000 euros for election campaign costs, Burgenland has the strictest party funding law in Austria - with the toughest sanctions. There is criticism of the Freedom Party: "They rejected the new law right from the start," says the SPÖ party leader. The FPÖ had probably planned an expensive battle of material against the provincial government and Burgenland and is now disappointed, Fürst suspects.

It is positive that the Greens have signaled their approval. "It is a very good sign of democratic politics when the smallest party agrees to the proposed legislation," said the SPÖ parliamentary group leader.