What is a 'quote-part'? One for Norman, maybe?

[woolybanana]

I do understand that it means a 'share' of something or an undertaking, but how does this apply in politics?

One of the Presdiential candidates, Mr. Peillon, a member of the European parliament and the Socialist party was ticked off and an attempt made to get him disqualified because he had not paid his party subs or his 'quote-part'.

Does it mean he has to compulsorily contribute to some sort of fund? This is worrying as the money is after all taxpayers' money and should not be used to maintain political parties, surely?

I am aware that they are given subsidies from the public purse which I have always objected to, but is the quote-part over and above this? Sounds like a rip off of public funds if it is.

[ventodue]

Under the statuts du Parti socialiste français, M. Peillon should have paid over to the party a part of the indemnité that he received as a eurodeputé.

You may consider this to be a backdoor way of using public funds to finance a particular political party. "I could not possibly comment ..."

[woolybanana]

vtd, thank you so much. It is as I suspected, legalised fraud by political parties

[mint]

OTOH, you could see it as an attempt at a level playing field for all candidates.  For example, unlike American presidential candidates where only the most wealthy get to even take part.

I know that some years ago, in the UK, there was discussion of paying each candidate's fees so that all can stand but I don't think that gained many converts, unsurprisingly[:)]

[Gluestick]

[quote user="mint"]OTOH, you could see it as an attempt at a level playing field for all candidates.  For example, unlike American presidential candidates where only the most wealthy get to even take part.

[/quote]

Not quite true, Minty.

See here:

Jimmy Carter wasn't wasn't mega-wealthy, as just one example.

What is awfully awry in the US political system, is the method used to subvert US law on funds raising and spending. By setting up PACS (Political Action  Committees), activists behind the scenes can inject vast sums into saturation advertising, PR, image and simply put, brainwashing the voters.

Why? Special Interest Groups and lobbyists: once their man is duly ensconced in the White House, then it is payback time and policy is bent to satisfy their demands...