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February 8, 2012
Baffled Germans get new bureaucracy helpline
Published: 5 Mar 09 15:58 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/society/20090305-17829.html
Millions of Germans confused by their country’s often bewildering bureaucracy will soon have help from public authorities through a new hotline – 115 – broadcaster ARD reported on Thursday.
- Arctic cold wreaks quirky havoc across Germany (8 Feb 12)
- GM threatens major job cuts at Opel (8 Feb 12)
- Action! Babelsberg film studio fźtes 100 years (8 Feb 12)
Operators will help Germans get into contact with the right people to solve their bureaucratic needs. From social benefit questions to government paperwork confusion, the hotline will aim to be “quick and efficient,” ARD reported. “Quick” means within 24 hours, though most questions will likely be answered during the initial call.
"The most important support will be on the municipal level," Interior Ministry official Hans Bernhard Beus said, adding that the programme will help stoke further innovation in the country's notoriously stifling bureaucracy.
The Local (news@thelocal.de)
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