Sakova: Several Alternatives of Energy Aid Are Under Discussion

(TA3,'V politike', 20 July) The Economy Ministry hasn't yet decided on the method of subsidising high energy prices for low-income groups of citizens next year, Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD) said on TA3's discussion programme 'V politike' (In Politics) on Sunday, adding that she plans to hold talks with Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) and several ministers on the issue during the summer. "I have scheduled meetings with the premier, the labour and finance ministers during the holidays, where we we'll decide who is and who isn't poor, and who needs and who doesn't need the help, as people who don't need it will be automatically excluded from the energy aid scheme," said Sakova. The minister noted that the amount and method of energy price compensation will have an impact on the state budget. If the state, after agreement with the European Commission, could use part of EU funds for the compensation, it would relieve public finances at a time of consolidation, she said. Opposition MP Marian Viskupic (Freedom and Solidarity/SaS), also on the show, criticised the minister for failure to come up with a targeted price compensation last year. He doesn't like the idea of using EU funds for this purpose, as, in his opinion, this money should primarily be used for investments. "I honestly keep my fingers crossed for the minister that they manage to set up a good, meaningful system," said Viskupic. However, he is concerned about the fact that nothing is clear about the energy aid scheme, although it's already the middle of the summer. "We have a law on data collection, but that's probably all," he said. Sakova rejected the criticism regarding the use of EU funds for the energy aid, saying that the previous government also acted in the same way. However, Viskupic argued that energy prices were significantly higher three years ago. The two politicians also touched the issues like US customs for EU products and the selection of a contractor for the new nuclear facility in Jaslovske Bohunice (Trnava region). Sakova noted that a similar tender for a nuclear unit in Dukovany in the Czech Republic took several years. Concerning the four potential contractors, she said that France is out of the game, as it doesn't have necessary capacities available, South Korea can't build new units outside its country without the permission of the US company of Westinghouse and Russia has been excluded in advance, given the current situation and the necessary diversification of sources. ko