The government has again postponed requests for financial aid in the form of the tax relief worth more than €100 million submitted by Economy Minister Tomáš Malatinský. Some ministers expressed doubts about giving money to companies that have not promised to create new jobs, the Sme daily reported.
The Economy Ministry is asking for state aid for nine companies. Two of them, Galanta-based Samsung Electronics Slovakia and paper mill Mondi SCP from Ružomberok, say they will use the money to invest in new technology and secure existing jobs. While Mondi is asking for €25.4 million and promises to keep 766 existing jobs, Samsung promises to keep 760 jobs in return for €19.8 million.
However, Labour Minister Ján Richter said he was not sure about the number of jobs Mondi intends to secure, for example, and under what conditions the company would be able to keep the aid. Environment Minister Peter Žiga said that it was not clear whether the companies would really be unable to invest in new technology without the public money.
The ministers are not the only ones criticising the help.
“It is the contractual promise which is essential,” said Miroslav Beblavý, an MP for the opposition Slovak Democratic and Christian Union (SDKÚ), as quoted by Sme, adding that if the situation in Mondi deteriorates it will simply get rid of people.
Source: Sme
Compiled by Radka Minarechová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
