Energy Min Chatzidakis: 'The issue of liability for PPC's problems is exclusively judicial'

Environment & Energy Minister Kostis Chatzidakis on Sunday aired his running concern on the problematic state of the country's Public Power Corporation (PPC), and said that if there is a question of liability, then this is a matter of judicial concern," speaking to Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA).

The minister noted that "a web of incorrect, misguided choices led the company to bankruptcy," but stressed that what is most imperative at the moment is "to actually save PPC, because if it collapses, the country will collapse with it."

Chatzidakis pointed out that employees at the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO), PPC's operator, "have nothing to fear, while the banks can only gain from the partial privatization process of HEDNO, as both PPC and HEDNO will be strengthened."

He also said that a reduction of the Special Levy on Pollutant Emissions (SLPE) to adjust PPC tariffs can be achieved without increasing costs for consumers, and that this will not create a payment problem towards the producers of energy from renewable sources.

Abandoning lignite production plants will be gradual, while ensuring EU funds in this direction, said Chatzidakis.

The privatization of both petroleum refinery Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE) and natural gas company DEPA will attract the interest of markets and "will send a message that Greece is a country friendly to entrepreneurship and investment," added the Energy Minister.

Finally, Kostis Chatzidakis underlined that the government's intention is to support investment in the gold mines at Skouries, but while respecting all necessary environmental conditions.