Energy Costs: FPÖ Criticizes After Stocker Announcement

That Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) announced a 500 million Euro relief package for energy costs last Thursday, but did not specify where the money would come from, has prompted the FPÖ to take action. The approach creates "maximum uncertainty" among all parties involved, up to the capital market, according to budget spokesperson Arnold Schiefer. The approach is "unprofessional" and "damaging to the business location."

"Special dividends or capital measures of publicly listed companies are being discussed openly, thereby damaging the Austrian financial market and the entire business location," criticized Schiefer in a statement on Tuesday.

Focus on ÖBAG and Verbund

The "Kleine Zeitung" and the "Oberösterreichische Nachrichten" report in their Tuesday edition that the state energy company Verbund and the state holding ÖBAG, which holds state shares in OMV, Post, and Telekom Austria, among others, are expected to contribute significantly to the 500 million Euros. This is to be achieved through special distributions from participation earnings and the dissolution of reserves. Verbund remained tight-lipped towards the newspapers, while ÖBAG told APA that ongoing discussions would not be commented on.

Even without the amount for reducing energy prices, ÖBAG is heavily taxed annually. The partially state-owned companies pay around 1.2 billion Euros each year to the state for its shares.

(APA/Red)

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