When permissiveness constrains: Money, regulation and the development of party politics in the Czech Republic (1989–2012)

Party laws and regulation in the Czech Republic are largely permissive and have served the interests of the established parties, helping to underpin the largely oligopolistic nature of Czech party politics. Whereas non-financial regulation remained virtually unchanged in the first two post-communist decades, party financing laws have been amended, often in response to scandal. Although the existing system of regulation has helped entrench the position of the main political parties, the system is not impervious to change. Indeed, a ruling of the Constitutional Court combined with the anti-corruption appeal of new parties helped weaken the position of the largest parties in the 2010 elections. Subsequent scandals have ensured the continuing fragile stability of Czech party politics.