Partly state-owned gas-transport operator Eustream rejects the law on transit gas pipeline taxation adopted by Parliament on Thursday. Its representatives stressed that it contradicts the principles of fair and proportional taxation and Constitution-protected rights and that it will have devastating effects on the perception of Slovakia as a trustworthy business environment. The company therefore plans to approach President Zuzana Caputova with a request to veto the law.
"We consider it to be incomprehensible that such a draft law could pass at all. We're pointing out that the bill was approved despite clear expert criticism by the economy minister [Karel Hirman] and the parliamentary economic committee chairman [Peter Kremsky (OLaNO)]," said the company.
Eustream noted that while in Europe excessive profits made by companies due to the energy crisis are being taxed, the Slovak Parliament has approved a tax proposal aimed at a selected company that doesn't profit from the current crisis but is being negatively affected. "In addition, it's a flat-rate property tax that we'll have to pay regardless of the profits made," added the gas carrier.
The special tax on pipelines approved by Parliament on Thursday is nothing that should pose a concern for Slovak gas carrier Eustream, temporary Prime Minister Eduard Heger declared on Thursday. "I've heard so many worst-case scenarios, so many nightmare scenarios painted for my benefit, and yet none of them have taken place. There's no need to worry," said Heger.
The prime minister responded in this way to a statement by Economy Minister Karel Hirman, who warned before the vote that an ill-advised decision to introduce an additional tax on Eustream might fatally impact the company's liquidity and also jeopardise gas transport across Slovakia. "He's talking about risks; I'm talking about the outcome," claimed Heger.
The top priority was to pass a budget that contains aid with energy bills for people, and that has been done. "I think that even Mr. Hirman is quite glad that he's got the money passed in the budget for that aid," added Heger.
"It's okay to have a different opinion, but it's not completely normal to voice it just an hour or two before the vote, via a press statement," claimed temporary Finance Minister Igor Matovic (OLaNO). He added that he met Hirman on Wednesday, and the Economy Minister mentioned no such concerns. "The minister is aware what kind of process he should have chosen in order for his efforts to be successful," he said.
Source: TASR
