ROMWerte

ROMWerte, short for "Recht auf Offenheit der Verwaltung" or "Right to Open Government," is a legal principle in Germany that ensures the public has access to information held by public authorities. This principle is grounded in the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz) and is further detailed in the Freedom of Information Act (Gesetz über den Zugriff auf Informationen des Bundes und der auf ihn gestützten Körperschaften, kurz: Informationsfreiheitsgesetz, or IFG).

The ROMWerte principle applies to all public authorities, including federal, state, and local governments, as well as public corporations and other entities that receive public funding. It grants the public the right to request and receive information held by these authorities, subject to certain exceptions related to privacy, national security, and other legitimate interests.

Requests for information can be made in writing or electronically. Public authorities are obligated to respond to these requests within a specified timeframe, typically 30 days, unless an extension is granted. If the authority fails to respond within the deadline, the requester may file a complaint with the responsible supervisory authority.

The ROMWerte principle is an essential aspect of democratic governance, as it promotes transparency, accountability, and public participation. It allows citizens to hold their government accountable, make informed decisions, and engage in civic discourse. However, the principle is not absolute and must be balanced with other legitimate interests, such as privacy and national security.