Final in the U-Committee

ÖVP man applies for COFAG boss position via advertisement

Ulrich Zafoschnig, Managing Director of the Covid Financing Agency

(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

On the last regular day of the COFAG sub-committee on Thursday, Ulrich Zafoschnig, one of the two managing directors of the Covid financing agency, had his say. The former Carinthian ÖVP provincial councillor emphasized in his statements that his application had not been agreed with his party and that he had applied via an advertisement. Apart from this, it was decided on Thursday that bankrupt entrepreneur Rene Benko will be presented on May 22.

Marc Schimpel, another COFAG boss who is considered to belong to the Greens, has already testified in a previous investigative committee meeting.

Zafoschnig also denied that the Covid financing agency was a kind of "Turkish self-service store" that was supposed to help billionaire entrepreneurs make profits, as the opposition sometimes sees it. Zafoschnig revealed that he himself earns an annual gross salary of 220,000 euros without adjustment for inflation.

Marc Schimpel

(Bild: APA)

Although Zafoschnig was brief in his answers, he nevertheless tried to provide answers. There are now 4,905 recovery cases at COFAG, around 34.7 million euros have been repaid in full and 68 million euros have been offset.

Possible reclaims for Benko's "Chalet N"
However, he was unable to comment on specific cases - such as Rene Benko and his "Chalet N". Obviously, however, the payment was correct. However, it is possible that the tax authorities could demand something back as part of an audit if the property was used primarily for private purposes.

Rene Benko at a court hearing in Innsbruck

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

Tax official also invited to provide information
Before Zafoschnig, it was the turn of Alfred Lejsek, an official in the Ministry of Finance. He was unable to say whether party affiliation had played a role in the appointment of COFAG's management. With regard to the criticized lack of group consideration in the subsidies - described in a letter as "the mother of all misunderstandings" - the respondent said that the issue had been dealt with and expert opinions had been obtained. This would first have to be repaired, as a result of which there would probably be additional claims.

Lesjek was also asked how the Covid funding agency had come about. The usual funding institutions were not prepared for the difficult situation. No one had offered to help, and working from home, which was common during the coronavirus pandemic, had also caused additional difficulties.

High profits in some cases due to coronavirus funding
Lejsek emphasized that the fact that some companies that received coronavirus funding ultimately made high profits was not intentional. "Criteria were defined", for example for defaults and losses. "Guidelines were applied and paid out." He was also not aware of any political interventions. Lejsek's questioning - he had been invited by the ÖVP - lasted around two hours. At noon it was Zafoschnig's turn.

Benko presentation unanimously approved
At the end of Thursday's session, the presentation of Benko was also requested and unanimously approved by the parliamentary groups. However, Benko had already announced that he would appear on May 22. In the event that Benko does not appear after all, an application was made for a penalty.