Civil society in Bulgaria continues its fight for transparency and access to information, a key element for the functioning of a true democracy. This was emphasized in an interview for the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA) by the executive director of the "Access to Information" Program, lawyer Alexander Kashumov, on the occasion of International Right to Know Day.
The air in the capital seemed to be filled with anticipation. Journalists, representatives of non-governmental organizations and ordinary citizens gathered, preparing for another year of fighting for openness.
In a report published on the website of the Council of Ministers, it becomes clear that "13,018 applications for access to public information" were submitted this year. The document reflects the steady trend of citizens being the most active in submitting applications, followed by non-profit legal entities. Of the total number of applications, "914 were submitted by journalists".
Looking back in time, we can see the dynamics in the public's search for information. In "2023", "14,507 applications for access to public information" were registered, which represents an increase of almost "1500 applications" compared to the current year. In "2022", "12,924 applications" were submitted, in "2021" – "14,170", in "2020" – "14,500", and in "2019" – "10,399".
Lawyer Kashumov noted that there is no unified methodology in the European Union for collecting data on the applications submitted. He explained that in Bulgaria the information collected reflects the data for the executive authorities and municipalities, but does not include the applications addressed to the courts and the National Assembly.
According to Kashumov, the activity of citizens in the search for information in Bulgaria has been comparable to that in the United States. He emphasized that the number of applications depends on many factors.
The first factor is the accessibility of data on the websites of institutions. According to him, the more real documents are published, which citizens need and are interested in, the less the incentive to submit applications. Kashumov pointed out that this explains the larger number of applications in the period between "2000" and "2010".
Another factor influencing the search for information is the external context. According to the lawyer, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a rise in applications, which reflects isolation, increased suspicion of citizens and their desire to understand the reasons for the actions of the authorities. He emphasized that it is important to maintain a critical mass of citizens submitting applications, regardless of complaints from some institutions. Kashumov added that there is no institution that is overloaded with applications submitted.
Lawyer Kashumov also touched on the topic of possible changes in the Access to Public Information Act (APIA). He emphasized that "in some segments of government and political circles, a serious attitude is being formed to fight against the inherent right of citizens, the constitutional right to access information". "Some of the dark forces in government have realized that access to information is very unpleasant for them, as citizens can control them", he said.
The Ministry of Electronic Governance held a discussion on changes to the APIA in August. After a meeting with representatives of civil organizations and the National Association of Municipalities, including the "Access to Information" Program, the ministry assured that the right of citizens to access information will not be restricted.
It is recalled that in "2023" MPs from GERB tried to introduce a requirement for applicants to prove legal interest, but this initiative failed. Also, the acting Prosecutor General requested the Supreme Administrative Court to issue an interpretative decision that would exclude the prosecutor's office from the scope of the law on access to information. A hearing is expected to be scheduled, Kashumov said.
The "Reference" Department of the BTA notes that International Right to Know Day has been celebrated since "2020". The aim is to emphasize the importance of the freedom to seek, receive and disseminate information and express opinions, as well as the right to access information, which are the basis for the development of democratic processes in society and for building a society without restrictions, based on knowledge.
In Bulgaria, International Right to Know Day has been celebrated since "2003" on the initiative of the "Access to Information" Program. The program will present its annual awards for contribution to the field of freedom of information for the "23rd" time.