Access to public information in North Macedonia has become increasingly difficult under the new conservative government, raising concerns among media and civil society. Restrictions on Freedom of Information requests and limitations on data access from the Central Registry have sparked fears of backsliding in transparency and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- New government imposes restrictions on access to public information.
- Central Registry suspends free access for journalists.
- Freedom of Information requests face delays and denials.
- Concerns over classification of information by public institutions.
Restrictions on Access to Information
Under the leadership of the conservative VMRO-DPMNE party, which took power in June, accessing vital public information has become more challenging. The Central Registry, a crucial resource for journalists seeking data on company ownership and other public records, announced on October 15 that it would temporarily suspend free access for media.
Previously, journalists had free access to the Central Registry following a 2017 decision by the Social Democrat-led government. However, the new administration claims that this decision does not override existing laws that limit free access to state budget institutions.
Impacts on Investigative Journalism
The suspension of free access to the Central Registry is particularly concerning for investigative journalists. Data from this registry has been instrumental in uncovering crime and corruption. Journalists now face the prospect of being charged for information that was once freely available.
Aleksandar Dimitrievski, a journalist with the investigative TV magazine 360 Degrees, expressed frustration, stating, "The central registry is essentially a database. It is not a private company that manages private data."
Freedom of Information Requests Stymied
In addition to the Central Registry’s restrictions, the effectiveness of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests has also diminished. Since July 29, BIRN has sought information regarding the names and salaries of advisers to Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, which was previously public information. After filing an FOI request, BIRN received a response indicating that the request was approved, but the information was not provided within the stipulated 20-day deadline.
The Centre for Civil Communications, an NGO that frequently utilizes FOI requests, has reported similar challenges. The most common excuse for denial has been that the requested information is classified, raising concerns about the lack of oversight regarding what can be classified.
A Step Backwards for Transparency
Despite some progress in open data initiatives, the recent developments indicate a troubling trend towards reduced transparency. A report by BIRN highlighted that while some datasets are available online, only 74 out of more than 1,300 public institutions provide data sets, and not all are accessible through the central open data portal.
The law on free access to public information, in effect since 2006, mandates that public institutions designate an employee to handle information requests. However, the change in leadership at these institutions has led to a decline in the practice of disclosing information.
German Filkov, head of the Centre for Civil Communications, noted, "The fight for free access to public information is, unfortunately, daily, long, and arduous. Instead of moving forward, we are going backwards."
Conclusion
The new government’s approach to access to information has raised alarms among journalists and civil society in North Macedonia. As restrictions tighten, the implications for transparency and accountability in governance become increasingly concerning. The expectation remains that the government will address these issues promptly to restore public trust and uphold the principles of open governance.
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