Secret company car of the state government: Why do data remain under lock and key?

Secret company car of the state government: Why do data remain under lock and key?

11.08.2024 - 17:50

Mitteldeutsche Zeitung

secret company car of the state government

Magdeburg (ots)-A current request from left-wing parliamentary deputy has triggered a debate about the transparency in the fleet of the state government of Saxony-Anhalt. While the population is becoming increasingly environmentally conscious and expressing interest in the use of electrical and hybrid vehicles, the latest developments are raising questions about communication policy between the Ministry of Finance and the public.

The secret fleet

The State Finance Minister Michael Richter (CDU) kept information about the state government's company cars, including the drive types, annual mileage and costs. This applies to data that were previously considered unproblematic and were still published in 2020. In her request, left-wing MP Kristin Heiß asked for ministers and state secretaries. The ministry's response points out that the corresponding information cannot be passed on to the public for data protection reasons.

The argument of data protection

The Ministry of Finance justifies the secrecy with the possible disclosure of personal data, which would enable a clear assignment to the vehicle types. In addition, reference is made to the contractual obligations towards the automotive manufacturers who require confidential treatment of the contract content. This procedure has heated the minds because it is perceived as atypical that the use of company vehicles is kept so secret.

look at the numbers

Surprisingly, it is known that the state of Saxony-Anhalt currently has 2,853 company cars in operation. This number has dropped by six percent compared to 2021. Nevertheless, the use of more environmentally friendly drive types is criticized, since only 4.6 percent of miners use electrical, hybrid or gas drives. In comparison, the nationwide proportion is 7.7 percent, which underlines the country's skeptical attitude towards alternative drives.

The demand for more transparency

Kristin Heih plans to contact the data protection officer to have the confidentiality actually checked. Your argument is based on the fact that information was provided during the past request that is no longer accessible. This awakens the suspicion that the ministry deliberately holds back certain information in order to avoid unpleasant revelations.

conclusion: an important topic for the public

The confidentiality of information about company cars could affect the population's trust in the state government. In view of the global efforts to protect climate protection and the increasing discussion about the use of environmentally friendly transportation, it is crucial how transparent government agencies are in relation to their own practices. The current case could start a greater debate about the need for openness and accountability within the state institutions.

Press contact:

Mitteldeutsche Zeitung
Marc Rath
Telephone: 0345 565 4200
marc.rath@mz.de

Original content from: Mitteldeutsche Zeitung, transmitted by News Aktuell