Implementing provisions on public information by the Governing Council and the cantonal administration (Information Guidelines) (Informationsrichtlinien) - Principles

1. The Information of the Public by the Government Council and the Cantonal Administration shall promote relations with the public and provide the population with the basis for political opinion and will formation.

2. The public shall be informed comprehensively, openly, actively, and in a timely manner about the activities of the Government Council and the administration, in accordance with the general interest.

3. Information issues should be considered at an early stage, especially in important matters.

1. The information is to be restricted or withheld if and to the extent that overriding protectable public or private interests are opposed to it.

2. An overriding protectable interest in the confidential treatment of affairs exists particularly if

a. the personality rights of a natural or legal person would be significantly infringed;

b. provisions of data protection would be violated;

c. the continuation of ongoing affairs would be significantly hindered or endangered.

3. The duty of official secrecy according to special provisions (in particular Art. 320 of the Swiss Criminal Code, Art. 28 of the Health Act, Art. 10 of the Cantonal Civil Servants Ordinance) must be observed.

1. The State Chancellery, under the direction of the Chancellor, ensures the dissemination of information regarding the decisions of the Council of Ministers and coordinates the flow of information within the cantonal administration.

2. The State Chancellery organizes media events for the Council of Ministers.

3. The State Chancellery serves as the contact point for all information matters concerning the Council of Ministers. It coordinates with the department responsible for the subject matter regarding the provision of additional information for press releases on the decisions of the Council of Ministers.

4. Regarding decisions of particular significance by the Council of Ministers, for which press releases are to be issued, the departments must submit the corresponding drafts and documents (photos, plans, etc.) to the State Chancellery along with their proposals.

1. The department head decides on information of significant political relevance within the department's area. He may delegate information authority to the department secretary and the heads of offices or divisions.

2. The department secretariats serve as the information and coordination centers for all informational matters of the department (such as responding to routine inquiries and establishing contact with the competent authority).

3. The department secretaries are responsible for coordinating the department's information processes with the state chancellery. Media events of the department are organized in conjunction with the department secretariat.

1. Upon written application, editorial teams and media representatives who regularly provide newspapers, magazines, radio, and television with contributions regarding the affairs of the Canton of Obwalden will be accredited by the State Chancellery. Any changes in contractual relationships must be reported to the State Chancellery.

2. The directory of accredited media representatives serves as the basis for the distribution of official written information and the invitation to press conferences and events. The cantonal police provide the accredited media with information unless they choose to forgo the police press releases.

3. The consultation documents of the Cantonal Council are sent to the media reporters of the Cantonal Council and the cantonal political parties. They can also be sent to other institutions and individuals who have a significant interest in them.

4. Non-accredited media representatives can be provided with official communications and documents and invited to press conferences on a case-by-case basis.

1. The principle of equal treatment applies to accredited media representatives.

2. The information office verifies the identity of the questioner upon inquiries, including any potential employer and the context and form in which the information is to be used.

3. When inquiries are made, it should be assessed whether the significance of the matter exceptionally suggests general information. Information in response to inquiries may be refused if a press conference or event has already been announced regarding the subject in question or if an invitation to such is forthcoming.

4. Embargoes may be imposed if an event (speech, honor, inauguration, press conference) about which a report is to be made takes place after the media has been informed.

1. Participation in informative radio and television broadcasts is facilitated through the provision of relevant documents or by the participation of members of the government council in interviews and discussions.

2. Officials may participate in broadcasts with the consent of the head of the department.

3. Providing information in current interviews is not considered participation in radio and television broadcasts.

1. The Guidelines for Public Information by the Government Council and the Cantonal Administration dated February 19, 1974, are repealed.

1. These implementing provisions shall enter into force on February 1, 1992.