Court Rules Against Releasing Documents on "Zeitenwende" Address by Chancellery
The story centers around a speech script and three leading proposals concerning a unique German military fund. In a government statement dated February 24, 2022, Scholz marked a significant turning point, introducing a special fund worth €100 billion aimed at restoring Bundeswehr's capability for national and alliance defense after three days of Russian troops in Ukraine.
This site, Frag den Staat, sought access to those Chancellery documents in relation to the speech and cited the Freedom of Information Act as their legal basis. However, their request was denied, citing the need to safeguard the "prime realm of executive duty." In response, Frag den Staat initiated legal proceedings.
The court refused the lawsuit and reasoned that safeguarding the "prime realm of executive government responsibility" was necessary to uphold the confidentiality of the requested speech script. The Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court allowed an appeal in this context.
Whilst the confidential documents had to remain undisclosed, the court supported the Chancellery's assessment, finding no evidence whatsoever of any additional documentation related to the "turning point" speech. Frag den Staat, operating as a prominent German information hub, campaigns for greater public access to withheld info, such as environmental reports or meeting transcripts, and routinely employs investigative journalism and litigation.
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The Federal Chancellery's refusal to release documents on the "Zeitenwende" address by Chancellor Olaf Scholz prompted Frag den Staat to file a lawsuit, citing the Freedom of Information Act. Despite the legal action, the administrative court sided with the Chancellery, maintaining that protecting the "prime realm of executive government responsibility" is crucial for preserving the confidentiality of the speech script. Frag den Staat, an influential German information hub, continues to advocate for greater public access to withheld information and frequently employs investigative journalism and litigation. The court's decision marked a turning point in the dispute, with no additional documents related to the speech being uncovered. The German Armed Forces, which stands to benefit from the €100 billion military fund initiated by Scholz, awaits the full disclosure of all related documents. The SPD, Scholz's political party, has remained supportive of the Chancellor's decisions, while also emphasizing the importance of transparency in government affairs.
