After Signa Failure: Greens Criticise "Obstructionist Attitude of the ÖVP"
The Greens criticise the "blockade attitude of the ÖVP", which so far has made it impossible to pass any significant resolution aimed at preventing a "Signa castle-in-the-air production" from repeating itself, said Green MP Nina Tomaselli at a press conference on Tuesday.
Greens Want to Take Action Against Balance Sheet Tricks and "Foundation Hide-and-Seek Games" After Signa Bankruptcy
Tomaselli largely repeated her accusations against Benko, which she had already raised in the investigative committee. The investor had perfected the art of deception, but his "shell game" had also been made somewhat easy. The case should not, however, distract from the fact that the majority of Signa's business concept had been legal. It is now the duty of politics to draw the consequences and make the system so robust that a possible next case has no chance.
Specifically, the Green MP is once again calling for severe penalties for not submitting balance sheets of up to five percent of global turnover, as well as a consolidation requirement for all affiliated companies instead of sham constructions by so-called small GmbHs. A corresponding draft of the Sustainability Reporting Act is currently under review, a resolution could be possible at the National Council meeting on March 26.
In addition, the Greens are calling for the mandatory initiation of an official deletion procedure in the event of multi-year non-publication of the annual or consolidated financial statements, as well as no subsidies for non-compliance with disclosure obligations. The Greens also want to tackle the issue of foundations. All beneficiaries should be disclosed. Furthermore, an annual publication of the annual financial statements of private foundations in the commercial register and a disclosure obligation for consolidated financial statements of the foundation holding are demanded. Asset outflows to foundation paradises should also be recorded in a European asset register.
Last but not least, Tomaselli wants stricter tax regulations for luxury real estate. A five-year probationary period is proposed to see if a luxury residence - referring to Benko's "Chalet N" - is actually being run as a profitable business.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.