The Conference of Freedom of Information Officers (IFK) has firmly rejected the black-red coalition’s reform plan, which envisions significant restrictions to the Freedom of Information Act (IFG). The IFK emphasizes that the proposed changes would massively limit access to administrative information.
A central point of criticism is the intended shift away from unrestricted access to information. In the future, the right to information would depend on a “legitimate interest,” fundamentally altering the current principle. Additionally, only German or EU citizens would be eligible to file requests, while fees could increase.
The IFK warns that this reform could not only restrict access for citizens and organizations but also lead to increased bureaucratic burdens within authorities. Tobias Keber, the freedom of information officer for Baden-Württemberg, expressed concerns that associations and NGOs could be excluded from accessing information.
The IFK calls on the government to orient itself toward modern transparency laws in the federal states rather than curtailing citizens’ rights. The opposition to the reform plans is growing, as former federal commissioners and various NGOs also register protests.
Source: www.heise.de
