Mar 17 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Urgent the classified information law

The article discusses the urgent need to reform Spain's outdated law on classified information following the declassification of documents related to the attempted coup in 1981.

The article emphasizes the pressing necessity for Spain to reform its antiquated law regarding classified information, particularly in light of the recent declassification of documents associated with the 23-F coup attempt in 1981. The author argues that the principle of secrecy should be the exception rather than the rule, ensuring public interest in government operations is prioritized and supported by constitutional guarantees. This debate is reignited through the government's discretionary action to disclose certain documents, which hints at its political motivations.

Furthermore, the article points out the contradictions presented by the current Spanish government led by Pedro Sánchez, which had previously introduced the Draft Bill on Classified Information back in July 2025. Despite this initiative, the bill has stalled in the Congress of Deputies, largely due to delays caused by successive amendments rather than a lack of need or urgency. The proposed legislation seeks to overhaul the existing pre-constitutional law, implementing automatic declassification measures within specified timeframes, which is essential for upholding transparency and accountability in government dealings.

In conclusion, the author calls for the swift passage of the new law to ensure that secrecy in government operations does not become the norm but is instead reserved for genuine matters of public security or diplomacy. By advocating for these reforms, the article underlines the importance of maintaining public trust in the government and its institutions, asserting that transparency is vital for democracy and good governance in Spain.

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