Green Party Criticizes Government Before Start of Freedom of Information Act

As the Green Vice-Club Chairwoman and former Justice Minister Alma Zadic announced in a statement, according to the regulation passed at the beginning of 2024, federal and state authorities must publish information of public interest in a central information register. The preparation is the responsibility of Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), who must also ensure the announcement of availability.

Freedom of Information Act: Zadic sees "Certificate of Poverty"

"Chancellor Stocker has slept through the start of freedom of information despite countless calls from us Greens," criticized Zadic: "The register should have been ready by yesterday due to the three-month transition period. The Federal Chancellor thus prevents the timely start of freedom of information on September 1." That Stocker let the deadline pass despite 18 months of preparation time and countless requests is "a certificate of poverty for the urgently needed transparency" in the country. "But maybe the ÖVP does not want this transparency. That the SPÖ and NEOS in the government watch as the Chancellor does not take the new fundamental right of citizens to information seriously is highly regrettable," said Zadic.

Federal Chancellery: Freedom of Information Act can come into force in September

The Chancellery could not see any omission. In a written statement to the APA, it was said that the Freedom of Information Act would come into force on September 1. From this day on, the affected bodies are obliged to proactively publish information of general interest. Three months later, it is mandatory to feed into the register. "This serves countries and municipalities for efficient preparation," it was explained. During the transition period, the affected bodies must either publish on their sites or can already voluntarily feed into the information register.

(APA/Red)

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