Municipal concerts, political financing, and the structure of parties

The ruling party is attempting to pressure CHP-run municipalities over the costs of the concerts they organize. In response, the CHP headquarters and CHP-run municipalities are documenting that municipalities belonging to the ruling party spend significantly larger sums on concerts.

The issue must be addressed from multiple dimensions. Because regardless of which party they belong to, the budgets municipalities allocate to culture and arts, and the money they spend on such mass events—especially concerts—are, on one hand, a local government activity; while they may be necessary to support culture and art, and citizens may demand these events, they are also significant from the perspective of political financing.

We know that political financing and the resources provided by local governments in securing this financing are a very significant problem. We also see how council members from different parties, who direct harsh criticisms at each other on every issue, work in great harmony in municipal councils, especially when it comes to zoning plan amendments.

The lack of transparency in the use of Treasury aid provided to political parties also stands out as another problem fueling political corruption. If the chairman of a political party wishes, they use this money for the training of party organizations, or they use it for the decoration of their office at the headquarters or for renewing their official vehicle. They spend it wherever they want to spend it. They also find a way to do this. To use a beautiful idiom in our Turkish language, they "find a cover for it."

Therefore, hoping, assuming, or expecting that intra-party democracy will develop solely through legal regulations, without increasing the influence of conscious citizens, conscious members, and conscious organizations within political party management, is a great delusion. This is why the leader cult in political parties and the "one-man rule" of chairmen are so strong. The fact that all political divisions are overcome and members of parliament act together when it comes to raises in MP salaries is also among the issues that are always on our agenda.

Unfortunately, the number of active members in political parties who regularly pay their dues and participate in party activities is low. Due to "packed" memberships, exaggerated membership numbers draw attention. There are many examples of this. So much so that there are even parties that receive fewer votes than their number of registered members. However, a strong, healthy, and transparent membership registration system is essential for a healthy political party regime and a healthy democracy. For this, not only should advanced technology be utilized and a registration system established accordingly, but these records should also be open to judicial oversight in reality and essence, not just in name or appearance.

Analyzing the structures of political parties is also not easy. It is quite difficult. Because they possess a large and complex structure with their organizations, cadres, organs, public faces, management structures, forms of organization, bases, propaganda channels and methods, the media outlets they support and from which they receive support, the business circles they are close to and with which they establish ties, democratic mass organizations, foundations, associations, and most importantly, their voter bases.

Therefore, a strong political party must first possess ideological clarity, political consistency, and a healthy membership and organizational structure. Otherwise, not only does the political institution degenerate, but the party organization also degenerates, and interest-based relationships, feudal ties, and favoritism come to the fore. We see many examples of this. Let us not forget that having a large number of party members does not necessarily mean that the party organization is an effective, strong, energetic, and dynamic organization.

We know from our history lessons that the first political parties in Europe were based either on the landed nobility (Aristocracy) or the urban nobility (Bourgeoisie). It was enough for the wealthy to reach into their pockets for the party's financial needs. Over time, as the working class developed, grew, and became conscious, things changed. Organized and conscious party members began to pay party dues. Parties became like schools with the training they provided. This made them more qualified, effective, and organized. Party members who regularly paid dues and participated in party training and activities began to rise within the party and in politics.

Therefore, in order to both be permanent and to conduct politics in a correct, proper, and honest manner, political parties need to have a healthy membership and organizational structure.

As the late Prof. Dr. Ahmet Taner Kışlalı, one of our Republic Revolution martyrs and a distinguished scientist of our country, frequently emphasized, consistency in politics ensures credibility, and credibility ensures growth.