All six parties in Hungary’s parliament agreed on the main principles of political party and campaign financing and signed a declaration on Wednesday. The agreement was made during talks initiated by Transparency International Hungary.

Signatories to the document agree to pass a law to ensure transparency and accountability in party and campaign financing, during parliament’s autumn season.

The basic principles for the bill are as follows: nominating organisations, nominees and background organisations shall handle their revenues and spending in a transparent manner, and all information pertaining to the operations of political parties and associated foundations shall be handled as public information.

Publicity for candidates in the media and elsewhere shall be equally ensured for everyone, and related financial data shall be made public.

The central and local governments shall be banned from campaigning.

Legal control over campaign financing shall be exercised by the State Audit Office.

Minimum central funding shall be provided to the parties, however, they should be encouraged to raise their own funds. Excessive dependency from the state or from business groups should be avoided.

The above principles should be applied to general, municipal, and European Parliamentary election campaigns, the joint statement said.

The statement was signed by representatives of the ruling Fidesz-Christian Democratic alliance, the Socialist Party, LMP, Jobbik and the Democratic Coalition.

Party and campaign financing will be the subject of an open forum in parliament, expected to be held in May.

(MTI)