Media Groups Oppose German Transparency Reform

The German government's proposal to restrict the Freedom of Information Act has drawn widespread criticism from media organizations, nongovernmental organizations and politicians, according to Horizont.

Critics argue that the changes would make it more difficult to obtain information from public authorities, weaken government oversight and hamper investigative journalism.

Among those opposing the proposal are publishers' associations, the FragDenStaat and Abgeordnetenwatch platforms, Transparency International and the German Journalists' Association.

Concerns have also been raised by opposition parties and some members of the SPD, who note that the law has helped expose several major political scandals, including the face mask procurement scandal, the failed toll system and the investigation into the far-right terrorist group NSU.

(mja)