The path of transparency in Spain during COVID-19

Abstract

The consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic have been felt both nationally and internationally. Specifically, Covid-19 has negatively impacted access to information, a fundamental right that, despite not being recognised as such in Spain, is recognised by the European Court of Human Rights and other international bodies such as the OSCE and UNESCO.

In Spain, the Royal Decree declaring a state of emergency brought with it many restrictions on important rights, such as free movement, education and information.

This led to the suspension of administrative procedures, including the processing of access to information requests, and caused serious restrictions on journalists obtaining information.

This triggered a series of actions by civil society and journalists where they highlighted the difficulty in obtaining information on the pandemic, and provided possible solutions and recommendations for improving transparency in crisis management.

The main demands by civil society during the state of emergency were: the recognition of access to information as a fundamental right to ensure its protection

even in times of crisis; the removal of the suspension of deadlines for access to information requests; and transparency in emergency public procurement procedures.