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4w ago

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.

Unionschef Friedrich Merz mit dem CDU-Abgeordneten Philipp Amthor.
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WELT-Autor Benjamin Stibi

Overview

  • 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.