Politicians express positive reaction to new campaign financing regulations

Politicians are generally positive about the new election financing regulations, the Gazeta Wyborcza daily has discovered in a series of interviews. Lech Nikolski from the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) is quoted as saying, "Each candidate will spend as much as he or she can afford. It is obvious that some are not able to spend much. However, this does not mean he or she cannot be a candidate." "The rules are strict. There is a limit for the whole campaign and a limit for individuals. Everything is settled," said Grzegorz Cygonik, spokesman for Solidarity Election Action (AWS). Under the new electoral law, significant changes have been introduced to how campaigns are financed, with limits introduced on spending. A party may not spend over zl.29 million on the whole campaign. Donations from private individuals may not exceed zl.11,400. Before the changes were introduced, candidates could receive money from any sources and spend it as they wished. (Gazeta Wyborcza, June 16-17, p. 7) P.W.