In 2022, politicians from Styria issued studies and expert opinions worth 3.95 million euros. Now there is criticism of the award. Above all, there is the accusation of a lack of transparency and the FPÖ also sees a lot of savings potential.
The state of Styria is a safe bank for lucrative orders, as many external strategists know. And that despite the fact that there are many qualified experts in the departments of the state government.
Also last year, the black and red politicians dug deep into the treasury to have various investigations carried out. A total of approximately 3.95 million euros in purchased advisory services flowed from the individual departments.
Contractors included notaries, lawyers, environmental specialists, advertising agencies and marketing experts. At the top of the advisory pyramid is ÖVP Governor Christopher Drexler, his departments spent about 1.36 million euros in 2022. Then the red minister of the environment Ursula Lackner comes with about 866,000 euros. Nearly 600,000 euros were earned in the health sector (regional councilor Juliane Bogner-Strauß).
Striking in the Drexler department: for the purchase agreement of Energie-Steiermark, the state needed external economic and legal advice for 544,840 euros. “It involved specific expertise in the field of international company law and the valuation of equity companies,” explains ÖVP HR Council member Werner Amon. “Some studies are needed that identify the potential for renewable energy in Styria,” explained environmental officer Lackner.
For a long time there has been criticism of the free awarding of consultancy services by politicians – in the room the main accusation is a lack of transparency. Since 2019, the Court has also been investigating procurement practices in Styria. FPÖ leader Mario Kunasek also sees “enormous savings potential” because the generous orders clearly go too far.
Source: Krone
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