NRW government fails to answer two-thirds of parliamentary inquiries on time
The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) has struggled to meet deadlines for answering parliamentary inquiries during the current legislative term. As of early May 2026, only around one in three requests received a timely response, sparking criticism from opposition parties. Official figures show that out of 7,386 minor parliamentary inquiries, just 2,680 were answered on time—a compliance rate of 36.2 percent. These inquiries, a key tool for opposition parties to scrutinise government actions, are legally required to receive prompt replies. Yet delays have become increasingly common, with the Interior Ministry—handling the most requests—citing the growing complexity of questions as a major factor. The ministry claims inquiries are now 'increasingly intricate and research-intensive'.
The government also faces a surge in 'serial inquiries', where nearly identical questions are submitted repeatedly—sometimes up to 50 times. In late April alone, five such series totalled 341 separate requests. Opposition factions have voiced frustration over the delays, arguing that timely responses are not optional. Marcel Hafke of the FDP stressed that the deadline is 'not a non-binding suggestion', while Ina Blumenthal of the SPD warned that parliament’s ability to function depends on the government meeting its constitutional obligations. Markus Wagner of the AfD condemned the delays as 'disrespectful to parliament and, ultimately, to the citizens it represents'. The backlog has intensified debates over transparency and accountability in NRW’s government operations.
With only a third of inquiries answered on time, the state government faces mounting pressure to address the delays. Opposition parties continue to demand faster responses, arguing that timely information is essential for effective parliamentary oversight. The Interior Ministry’s workload and the rise in repetitive questions remain key challenges in resolving the issue.
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