Court Orders Municipality to Release Information on Director Yana Marinova's Salaries and Expenses

Municipal councilor Atanas Shopov won a court case against the Municipality over refusal to provide information. The case is an important precedent because it concerns data related to public expenditures.

Shopov submitted a request under the Law on Access to Public Information (LAPI) on February 3, in which he asked to find out the amount of the gross and net monthly salary of the director of the municipal enterprise "Cleanliness" – Yana Marinova. Additionally, he requested information about the legal basis for her appointment, asking for details of her employment contract, order, or competition, and the term of the contract if it is temporary.

The applicant also inquired whether Marinova uses a company or rented apartment in Pazardzhik, who covers the expenses, and to what extent. If she does not use an apartment, he requested data on her daily commutes and related expenses.

On February 17, the municipal administration provided partial access to the information, citing that the lack of it hindered the full disclosure. However, a refusal was made to disclose the salary amount, with the argument that it constitutes personal data.

The administrative court ruled that the information requested concerns the expenditure of public funds from the municipal budget, and therefore cannot be classified as personal data. According to the court, salary information does not fall under the category of personal data, and the request is justified.

The decision is to reverse the partial access granted and to return the case for reconsideration. Atanas Shopov commented that Marinova’s salary is most likely a well-guarded secret and expressed concern that the "Cleanliness" enterprise in Pazardzhik may be dependent on external factors, generating millions annually.

The municipality stated that they will comply with the court’s decision, which is final.

Source: Zname.info