Germany's Coalition Talks Stalled Over Proposed Abolition of Transparency Law

The CDU/CSU's push to dismantle the Information Freedom Act faces resistance from the SPD and widespread criticism from civil society.

The CDU/CSU proposes abolishing the Information Freedom Act (IFG), citing efforts to reduce bureaucracy and modernize governance.
The IFG, in place since 2006, is a key tool for transparency, used by journalists and citizens to uncover political scandals and hold authorities accountable.
Philipp Amthor, a CDU lawmaker previously implicated in a scandal revealed through the IFG, leads the working group advocating for its abolition.
Opposition parties, including the Green Party, along with journalists and civil society groups, warn that abolishing the IFG would weaken democracy and public trust.
Negotiations between the CDU/CSU and SPD remain unresolved, with the SPD yet to agree to the proposal as discussions escalate to party leadership.