A deal agreed behind closed doors
A proposal for a new Danish law on freedom of information drew criticism from press representatives, who warned it risked creating an access-free zone around government. The Danish centre-left government signed a political deal with two opposition parties on a new law on access to public documents and information — an agreement reached behind closed doors.
The "service to ministers" exemption
A central concern was an exemption covering "service to ministers". An earlier proposal to introduce such an exemption had been heavily criticised, and it had been widely believed that the government elected the previous year would not retain it. The deal indicated otherwise.
Reaction from the press
Mogens Blicher Bjerregård, president of the Danish Journalists' Union, said a dark curtain would be lowered around Slotsholmen — the governmental area in Copenhagen. According to a footnote in the original report, the agreement and a background note by the ministry of Justice were available in Danish.
Frequently asked questions
What was the main criticism of the reform?
That an exemption for "service to ministers" would shield a category of government work from public access, which press representatives argued would weaken transparency. See how to use European freedom of information laws.
Who spoke against the change?
Mogens Blicher Bjerregård, president of the Danish Journalists' Union, publicly criticised the exemption.