Transparenz
How does transparency in political funding work in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, the national parties fund themselves without direct state assistance – except for group contributions to fund the group secretariats. Since 23 October 2022, the funding of politicians at federal level has been subject to transparency rules. The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) is the body responsible for compiling, auditing and publishing disclosures. The transparency rules cover, firstly, campaigns exceeding CHF 50,000 for federal elections and votes and, secondly, all political parties represented in Parliament and members of parliament who are not affiliated to any party. In the case of donations (known as benefits) above CHF 15,000, the name of the donor (benefactor) is published.
(Forty-five days before National Council election or a vote, budgeted receipts and donations exceeding fifteen thousand Swiss francs must be declared. Sixty days after a National Council election or a vote, the final statement of receipts as well as donations exceeding fifteen thousand Swiss francs must be declared. Anonymous donations and donations from abroad are prohibited for National Council elections and votes. Thirty days after their office up taking, elected State Councillors must declare their final statement, donations exceeding fifteen thousand Swiss francs as well as anonymous donations and donations from abroad regardless of their amount.)
(Until the thirtieth of June, political parties represented in Parliament must declare their annual receipts from past year. Receipts from member contributions, receipts from mandate contributions and other receipts must be declared. Donations exceeding fifteen thousand Swiss francs must also be declared. Non-party members of parliament must declare donations exceeding fifteen thousand Swiss francs.)