There will be changes in the management and supervisory boards of companies with State Treasury shareholding, but I would not expect a major revolution, says Wojciech Balczun, Minister of State Assets, in his first interview after taking up the position, given to the “Parkiet” newspaper.
Wojciech Balczun, Minister of State Assets, when asked whether “the famous 'personal broom' of the Minister of State Assets will soon be put to use”, replied that he is not guided by the principle that something should be “swept for the sake of sweeping”.
“Assessing resources is crucial – whether they are implementing adopted strategies and whether these strategies are consistent with the state's strategy. I meet regularly with management boards, we discuss concepts. If I see that a company is well-managed, has an idea, and is effectively implementing it, it doesn't mean I have to replace half the management board just for the sake of it. But that also doesn't mean there won't be any changes. There are serious doubts in many places, and we also have a few difficult cases that pose a significant challenge,” he noted in Tuesday's “Parkiet.”
The minister refuses to discuss specific companies, whose management he has already raised doubts about. He emphasizes his objectivity.
“First, I verify the true source of the problem. It's often a consequence of unfortunate investment or business decisions made in previous years,” he says.
Asked whether he was disappointed that audits were carried out in the companies, specific losses and negligence were identified, and the guilty parties were not punished, he said that “the wheels of justice grind slowly, but they grind.”
“Economic matters are complex and require expert and expert analysis. Where notifications were filed, proceedings are ongoing. The public expected everything to happen more quickly, but I know from experience that economic matters take time. I am convinced that the most important matters that impact today's situation will be resolved. These simple cases of abuse – fictitious positions, inadequate salaries, absenteeism – appear in the media almost daily. The problem is that with such an abundance of information, public opinion is becoming immune to them. However, the fundamental issues are crucial: every manager is accountable for their decisions under the Code. There were times when management boards – often poorly prepared substantively – signed off on projects that now have negative resonance. They should be held accountable for this. The criminal liability of corporate bodies is greater today than before – it also covers supervisory boards,” he replied. (PAP)
mark/ amac/
