„We all know that
the Germans and French want to sell their 49 % in SPP. I think
its time to sell very fast because what are they doing at the times
of consolidating of public finances? When we are trying to keep
people afloat so they can survive these difficult times they come
with this immoral proposal at times when the market gas prices are
decreasing,“ the Prime Minister Robert Fico said to media
representatives during the European Council meeting in Brussels
(June, 28-29).
„I consider as absolutely
abusive what SPP is presenting in last weeks.“
On June 13th
the gas utility Slovenský plynárenský priemysel (SPP) filed for a
17 % rise in regulated gas prices for households.
According to the
spokesperson of the SPP Peter Bednár, the reason for the proposed price
adjustment is the fact that the company had no opportunity to
consider their actual costs from the beginning of this year. At the
gas prices adversely impinges also exchange rate of U.S. dollar
against the euro.
The Minister of
Economy Tomáš Malatinský immediately expressed his disagreement
with the proposal. His
spokesperson informed media that the ministry will advise the state’s
representatives in the Board of Directors to vote in favour of
cancelling the price proceedings altogether.
Outraged in Brussels, calm in Berlin
„I would like to tell the owners
of 49 % od SPP shares from Germany and France that the colonial
period is over. Slovakia is not a colony. They simply come,
exaggerate their prices, make a profit and leave,“ he
continued in Brussels. „We will use all the legal Instruments to
make sure this price hike never happens. In Slovakia we got nothing
from these investors. They did not invest in SPP, they just took
money, made big fortune and now they are selling with profit again
and leaving.“
The sale 49 % of SPP
shares was also discussed by Robert Fico and the German
Chancellor Angela Merkel during his
official visit to Berlin on Tuesday (June, 3).
The day before the
visit he repeated his long-term reservations about E.ON Ruhrgas and
GdF Suez and expressed hopes for an SPP
shareholder who would be more "tactful"
with respect to Slovak consumers.
However, after the meeting it was Fico
who was more tactful in his statements. Both leaders reportedly
agreed not to mingle in the sale. The Slovak Prime Minsiter said
there were no particular statements on this issue.
"These are economical decisions of
the company and the Federal Cabinet cannot interfere," Angela
Merkel added.
The Czech company
Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH) has repeatedly acknowledged
its interest in purchase of the 49 % shares but refused to comment on
new development.
On Tuesday the
Slovak newspaper Sme quoted his spokesperson Martin Maňák: "We
confirm interest of the EPH in partnership and cooperation with the
state. Currently it is not possible to comment on any further
steps."
Share:
The commotion in Brussels may have been a result of confusion as to the gain that shareholders will benefit from the sale. It would be helpful if there would have been custom pocket folders indicating what would be the advantage of taking such actions.
ReplyDeleteAaron