The authors of a new Sic! article say the politicians from the oldest times aimed to appear before the people as generous persons, while the voters were open to bread and circuses. Nowadays, the politicians all over the world stage charity events – some become involved in global fights against epidemics, climate change or illiteracy, others distribute presents and organize electoral concerts. Charity and politics are not necessarily incompatible. Some use the name to help people. But, according to the Sic! authors, it is less moral when politicians resort to philanthropy to polish their image and to help their parties before the elections, IPN reports.
The article says the legislation of advanced democracies make a distinction between “good” and “bad” political charity. For example, in the UK it is normal for a charitable foundation to campaign politically or to carry out political activities as long as this is necessary for promoting the organization’s philanthropic goal. However, this cannot exist only for pursuing a political goal or promoting a politician. Its political activity is a means, not a purpose.
On the other hand, Moldova’s legislation does not recognize political philanthropy. The law on philanthropy clearly says that the philanthropic organization cannot spend its money and use its assets to support political parties and other sociopolitical organizations while the law on foundations says these are apolitical and do not offer political assistance and do not support a political party. How this legislation is obeyed is another question. The Moldovan paradox is that philanthropy for votes seems normal not because it is permitted, but despite the fact that it is banned, according to the article authors.
“The politicians in Moldova know what philanthropy is and their names appear in names of charitable foundations either through spouses or relatives or in the corner of a flower. In Ancient Rome, the politicians organized gladiatorial combats to predispose the citizens, while Ilan Shor, by his associations and foundations, builds recreational parks with free entrance. In Middle Ages, those with power sponsored artists, writers and philosophers, while Vlad Plahotniuc’s foundation, for example, offers scholarships to students with high standing, awards for teachers or actors,” reads the article.
The authors note the problem in the Moldovan politicians’ charity is the fact that the used resources are non-transparent and cheating in elections is the effect. When it takes place in front of the cameras of “friendly” TV channels, in the presence of the same politicians and their party colleagues, before the eyes of thousands of people and before the elections, charity is the same electoral agitation. The only difference is that the funds for election campaigns are regulated by strict rules, including checking of the origin of the money and reporting of spending, while the funds from foundations are not. When a person accused of stealing US$ 1 billion opens social stores and then mounts protests against the opposition, something is not ok.
The full article can be read here. Sic! is a fact-checking, synthesis and analysis project implemented by IPN with the assistance of Soros Foundation Moldova and the Black Sea Trust.
