Rising Complaints Over Access to Government Information in Rheinland-Pfalz

The Landestransparenzgesetz aims to simplify public access to official data, but citizens report growing resistance from authorities.

The number of complaints and consultations regarding access to government information in Rheinland-Pfalz increased to 275 in 2024, up from 248 in 2023 and 231 in 2022.
The Landestransparenzgesetz, enacted in 2016, was designed to make government operations more transparent and foster democratic engagement.
Citizens can request information such as municipal project details or geodata without providing justification, though authorities may charge a fee for processing.
The Landesbeauftragter for Data Protection and Freedom of Information handles disputes but can only issue warnings to non-compliant authorities, leaving legal action to the citizens themselves.
Despite the law's intent, some authorities impose unnecessary hurdles or refuse to release information, undermining its accessibility goals.