The Evolution and Impact of Transparency and Access to Public Information in the Congreso de los Diputados of Spain
About the Congreso de los Diputados of Spain. Written on September, 2022
Introduction
In the era of open government, transparency and accountability have become paramount in the functioning of democracies worldwide. The Congreso de los Diputados in Spain stands as an exemplary model in these principles, with an intricate system to ensure public access to information. This essay will delve into the historical context of transparency, the legal framework and implementation of transparency, the role of the Committee on Access to Public Information, and the impact of these principles on the Congreso de los Diputados.
The Historical Context of Transparency
Historically, parliamentary institutions have been recognised for their transparency, dating back to the French Constitution of 1791, which established that legislative body deliberations would be public. This commitment to transparency was upheld in the Spanish Constitution of Cadiz in 1812, which also stipulated the public nature of parliamentary sessions. This tradition has continued in subsequent Spanish constitutional regimes, instilling transparency as a core principle of the Congreso de los Diputados.
In 2002, a significant document by the Director of the National Security Archives further reinforced these principles, asserting that information belongs to the citizens, and the government's role is to facilitate this access. Any exception to openness, the document suggested, should be as limited as possible and must be clearly stated in a legal norm.
The Legal Framework and Implementation of Transparency
The adoption of the Transparency Law on 10th December 2014 marked a significant step in formalising the principles of transparency and access to information. The law regulates citizens' access to all public information from the Congress. Subsequently, in 2015, the Congress adopted this transparency regulation, leading to the establishment of a two-pronged system for access to information.
The first part of the system is the proactive publication, or 'publicity active', of obligatory matters on the transparency portal. This includes matters related to the organisation and function of the chamber, activities of the parliamentarians, and economic, budgetary, and contractual information. Proactive transparency ensures that the public has easy access to crucial information, thereby reducing the need for individual access requests.
The second part of the system is the right of access to information, regulated by the Committee on Access to Public Information. This ensures that any information not already published on the transparency portal can still be accessed through formal requests.
The Role of the Committee on Access to Public Information
The Committee on Access to Public Information plays a pivotal role in ensuring the effectiveness of the two-pronged system. By regulating access to information requests, the Committee is able to fill potential gaps left by proactive transparency.
The Committee operates with a broad and inclusive approach, recognising the right to request information as a subjective right. Thus, any individual can submit an access request, needing only to provide minimal identification data. The Secretariat General, with the Committee's advisory support, is responsible for resolving these requests within a month.
In the case of an unprecedented request, the Committee meets to establish a criterion to guide the Secretariat General's response. This non-binding criterion essentially serves an advisory function. However, the Committee's role is not limited to advisory functions. It also works to promote training activities for chamber personnel, propose good practice guidelines to the Congress Board, and monitor the status of access requests.
The Impact of Transparency and Access to Information
Since the implementation of the transparency portal and the two-pronged access system, the Congreso de los Diputados has seen significant growth in public engagement. The portal receives over 130,000 annual visits, and between 2015 and 2022, the Committee has processed close to 800 access requests, the majority of which have been resolved positively.
The primary impact of these transparency initiatives is the fostering of trust between the public and the Congreso de los Diputados. By providing accessible and comprehensive information about its activities, the Congress ensures accountability and fosters a culture of open government. This transparency has, in turn, facilitated more informed and engaged citizen participation in the democratic process.
Conclusion
The Congreso de los Diputados's commitment to transparency and public access to information serves as an exemplar of an open and accountable democratic institution. The implementation of the transparency portal and a two-pronged system for information access demonstrates how the Congress is actively striving to facilitate public participation and engagement. This has not only improved the functioning of the institution itself but has also fostered a culture of openness and trust. Such transparency promotes accountability, making it easier for citizens to scrutinize their representatives, evaluate their performance, and make informed decisions, thereby strengthening the democratic process.
The impact of these initiatives extends beyond the boundaries of Spain. As a model of transparency and open governance, the Congreso de los Diputados provides valuable lessons for parliaments worldwide. As we move further into the 21st century, the need for government transparency will only increase. It will be incumbent on all democratic institutions to follow the Congreso de los Diputados's example, embracing transparency and public access to information as vital components of their functioning. By doing so, they can foster greater trust, encourage more informed citizen participation, and ultimately, create a more robust and vibrant democracy.