Alfred Lejsek, an official at the Ministry of Finance, also testified at the COFAG investigative committee on Thursday morning. The official, who is also a member of COFAG’s supervisory board, emphasized that “over-promotion” of companies that ultimately made high profits was not intentional. He denied political interventions.
Lejsek was asked how the Covid financing agency came about. The usual financing institutions were not prepared for the difficult situation. No one offered to work and working from home caused additional problems.
Lejsek could not say whether party membership played a role in the appointment of the COFAG board. Regarding the criticized lack of business attention in financing – described in a letter as “the mother of all misunderstandings” – the respondent said the subject had been researched and expertise sought. This must first be repaired and therefore additional requirements will probably be imposed.
“No political intervention observed”
Lejsek emphasized that it was not the intention that some companies that received Corona funding would ultimately make high profits. There are ‘defined criteria’, for example for failures and losses. “The procedure was followed according to guidelines and payments were made.” He also did not notice any political interventions. Lejsek’s interrogation – he was invited by the ÖVP – lasted about two hours.
Yannick Shetty of NEOS had previously spoken of a “completely unnecessary research day”. He said before the interrogation that he would prefer to talk to the FPÖ about an espionage commission. There is no fear of contact, he explained.
The favorite topic in the COFAG-U committee on Thursday was still René Benko, who has now confirmed his participation on May 22. “I can’t believe whether he will actually come until he gets there,” says Nina Tomaselli of the Green Party, who is still a bit skeptical.
FPÖ man sees over-promotion at Signa
The ÖVP would also agree to a demonstration by Benko, according to the turquoise MP Corinna Scharzenberger. Wolfgang Zanger of the Freedom Party still considers Benko’s Signa to be over-promoted. SPÖ faction leader Jan Krainer also thought that you should actually demand a billion euros from companies because of the lack of attention from the business community.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
