As the election approaches, the coffers of political parties are significantly increased by donors. VVD has already received 1.5 million euros this year and is by far the top.
GroenLinks and SP follow. Donations to these two parties come mostly from MPs and other politicians. There is an agreement between these parties to donate part of their salaries to the party.
Many parties receive money from donors, but VVD stands out in particular. The reason for this is the fundraising dinner organized by real estate entrepreneur Cor van Zadelhoff at the end of August. List leader Dilan Yeşilgöz managed to convince more than seventy entrepreneurs there with her story and raised more than one million dollars.
Van Zadelhoff says the assumption that entrepreneurs will use this to buy influence is wrong. “For our foundation, it is not about buying influence with money. Rather, we want mutual understanding between politics and business on certain issues. Politicians have little knowledge of the issues they need to decide on. That’s why we’re just giving advice.”
Van Zadelhoff believes that it is particularly important that GroenLinks/PvdA does not come to power. “It is now more important than ever for VVD to be the largest. “If Frans Timmermans comes to power, it will be a disaster for the country and for entrepreneurs.”
IT entrepreneur Ernst Nijkerk, who donated 100,000 euros, emphasizes that he sees VVD as a good cause. “When I donate to the Rijksmuseum, they never listen to me about which painting they should hang, and this also applies to the VVD.” He believes that liberal ideas are important, that they are “part of a better Netherlands.”
One ton maximum
Since the beginning of this year, donors have not been allowed to donate more than 100,000 euros per year to a party. Additionally, donations exceeding 10,000 Euros must be reported within three days. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is publishing a regular update ahead of the House of Representatives elections on 22 November.
Jesse Klaver, ranked third on the GroenLinks/PvdA list, is pleased that this is now publicly viewable. “This shows that the VVD is the party of millionaires, not the middle class. “People with a lot of money want the VVD to stay in power and are trying to buy influence with money.”
The restriction follows two large donations of 1 million to CDA and D66. Technology entrepreneur Steven Schuurman, who donated this million to D66, is donating this year as well, with a maximum of 100,000 euros. He doesn’t want to explain it.
level playing field
Parties depend not only on donations but also on (increasing) government subsidies and (decreasing) membership fees. Still, the playing field is not level, says political scientist Gerrit Voerman. “Some parties that have less good relations with entrepreneurs will not be able to receive large donations.”
Voerman thinks the new rules are a good step. “Obstacles are being created. You should try as much as possible to prevent anyone from trying to buy influence, and you can do this by being transparent and maximizing the amount. “Even if it was under a tonne, I wouldn’t think it was a bad idea.”
Political scientist Ingrid van Biezen also thinks that the maximum amount of one hundred thousand euros is too high, especially from an international perspective. “For example, in France, an individual is only allowed to donate 7,500 euros, while companies are absolutely not allowed to do this. You may have good intentions, but you want to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. And it is not unthinkable that you can buy influence with a hundred thousand euros.”
Corendon CEO Steven van der Heijden believes there should be no upper limit on “selfless donations” to political parties. He donated one hundred thousand euros to D66. “It has no effect. “I do this because I care about the party, I have been a loyal member for years,” he explains. “But I’m not naive either, I know there’s a chance of being influenced. So I understand.
small gifts
The Ministry of Internal Affairs’ overview does not provide a complete picture: it only lists donations over 10,000 euros. Some parties receive (much) smaller donations. Pieter Omtzigt’s NSC, for example, reported receiving 305,000 euros in small donations this year. The party does not want donations over 850 euros. Additionally, although donations exceeding €1,000 are ultimately included in the annual report, they do not need to be reported.
Source: NOS
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
