German coalition committee decides to effectively abolish Freedom of Information Act (fragdenstaat.de)

• Coalition committee (SPD, CDU, CSU) decides effective abolition of IFG
• Requests require 'legitimate interest'; organizations and press excluded
• Fee cap removed; more exemptions; Interior Ministry to draft law

"On July 2, 2026, the coalition committee of SPD, CDU, and CSU decided to effectively abolish Germany's Freedom of Information Act (IFG). Future requests will require a 'legitimate interest,' organizations and journalists will be barred, fees could reach tens of thousands of euros, and more exceptions will be added. The Interior Ministry will draft a law by year-end. Critics call it the worst attack on transparency in German history."