German journalists slam planned reform of Freedom of Information Act

The association called on parliament not to approve the plans, arguing that the proposed changes would effectively mean "the abolition of freedom of information."

The conservative CDU/CSU bloc of Chancellor Friedrich Merz and its centre-left coalition partner, the Social Democrats (SPD), agreed on an extensive reform package on Thursday, including a reform of the Freedom of Information Act.

Under the plans, the right to access information is to be restricted in future to natural persons with a legitimate interest.

Furthermore, the names of public sector employees are to be redacted from documents.

DJV Chairman Mika Beuster criticized the move, noting that media organizations would no longer be able to submit Freedom of Information Act requests under the new rules.

With names redacted, it would no longer be possible to trace responsibilities in official documents, he added. "It is up to the German Bundestag to keep freedom of information alive," said Beuster, referring to the lower house of parliament.

He added that the Freedom of Information Act was "not perfect for media professionals, but it is better than nothing." With the planned cuts, the Act would become "a paper tiger".

Representatives of the opposition and transparency organizations have also criticized the plans, warning they will restrict government transparency and make oversight more difficult.