German coalition’s draft reform of Information‑Freedom Act sparks SPD revolt

A black‑red coalition committee has drafted changes to Germany’s Information‑Freedom Act (IFG) as part of its 34‑point "growth and employment" programme. The proposal would restrict access to official information to natural persons with a demonstrable personal interest, thereby excluding many NGOs, journalists and other legal entities.

SPD parliamentarians warned that the amendment would amount to a de‑facto repeal of the IFG, jeopardising press freedom and civil‑society oversight. Party leader Lars Klingbeil and several SPD MPs, including Johannes Schätzl and Sebastian Fiedler, declared they would not support the change, saying “with us it will not happen”.

CSU interior minister Stephan Mayer defended the reform, arguing it would reduce administrative burdens and focus requests on those with a genuine need. The dispute underscores tensions within the governing coalition over the balance between security, bureaucratic efficiency and democratic transparency.