Tested by 23 institutions
Both highlighted the financial advantages the company gained through this merger, pointing to additional capital for improvement and an increase in the state's energy security. In consequence to information about the prosecution's initiation of an investigation into this merger, Both stated that he was not afraid of the committee of inquiry, as the full process was monitored by 23 national and global institutions and was besides valued.
The president stressed that part of the refinery had been sold at marketplace price and that analyses were carried out in this regard. Speaking of the investigation, he stressed that he had nothing to hide, and the prosecution is tasked with investigating all aspects of the situation.
However, Obietek expressed concerns about the destabilisation of the situation of Orlen, informing that global investors might begin to retreat and the stock rate would fall. He besides pointed out that this situation poses a hazard to the safety of the state, especially in the context of the ongoing border war.
Both: "I'm not afraid of the D.A.'s office or the committee of inquiry."
Dear Daniel, you're about to find out what a "procesing" investigation is. And then we'll see you sing your favourite falset...
— Pablo Morales (@Pablo MoralesPL) January 31, 2024
Both menace Putin
The president of Orlen besides referred to the charge from the ultimate Control Chamber concerning the sale of parts of the Gdańsk Refinery Saudi Aramco for a low price. In his reply, he stated that all analyses and valuations are needed to address this issue. In addition, a careful assessment of synergies should be drawn up. He claimed that NIK did not carry out controls in Orlen due to the fact that public funds were not utilized here, and that under the NIK Act it should control public funds. In Orlenia, in turn, there are shareholders' funds, which gives them equal access to information about the company.
Both assured that he was not afraid of a possible committee of enquiry on the merger of Orlen and Lotus, declaring his willingness to appear before her. However, he warned that talking about secret contracts could benefit Vladimir Putin as they would concern confidentiality clauses.
The president besides recalled that contracts relating to the sale of companies or road agreements are usually confidential in order not to lose credibility in the eyes of business partners.
Daniel Obietek in 1 of the broadcasts states, "I have nothing to hide..." I wonder why he blocked the controls, didn't even let the controllers in. #NIK? Or possibly it's like this honor (I'll go alone, I've got honor, I won't even wait to thank you...)
— Bogdan Zdrojewski (@BZdrojewski) January 31, 2024
Who's liable for the merger?
The president of Orlen besides answered the question whether Jarosław Kaczyński ordered him to carry out a merger of Orlen and Lotus. In response, he stated that absolutely no 1 had ordered him to make specified decisions. He stressed that this was a business process-based decision that he defended himself due to his profitability. He noted the benefits of these mergers, estimating synergies at PLN 20 billion, which means additional capital for the company.
Both explained that he was not the only individual liable for the merger process. It was carried out for 4 years under strict state and service supervision. Both mentioned the meetings attended by practically all service representatives. He besides stressed that shareholders, i.e. the owners of Orlen and Lotus, agreed to the merger process at the general meeting.
In addition, Obietek recalled that before the merger the Treasury held more than 27% of Orlen's shares, which meant that another entities could take control of the company. After the merger, the share of the State Treasury increased to almost 50%, which, according to the president of Orlen, contributed to increased energy and fuel safety of the state. Both of them besides noted that the State now has a larger share in the profits of Orlen, paying over PLN 14 billion in dividends to shareholders in fresh years.
PiS and Obatek did something unimaginable. They deprived Poland of energy security, for the sake of the energy giant and secured Russia's interests in this area!! pic.twitter.com/j6VbKqg0kt
— Ms Kasia Szimańska .🇪🇺 (@Kasia_SZ) January 31, 2024
Tusk v Commission
During Tuesday's press conference, Agnieszka Pomaska, MP of KO, stressed that the initiation of an investigation into the merger of Orlen with the Lotos Group by the prosecutor's office clearly indicated the possible exacerbated harm to PKN Orlen by large size. It is to appear as not little than PLN 4 billion. She pointed out that this announcement was only the beginning.
Pomaska besides stressed that no substance would be underestimated, and the circumstantial issue of the merger of Orlen and Lotus is highly worrying, as it not only caused financial losses to the Treasury, but besides put the public at hazard of a deficiency of fuel safety in the face of a serious threat just close the borders of the country.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk, asked if he would consider setting up an investigation committee to analyse the Orlen-Lotos merger, rejected this proposal. He stated that he was not curious in “finding” Poland. He said there was quite a few NIK material and peculiar services analysis, so that everything could be done without a committee of inquiry.
The Prime Minister expressed the desire for people to have access to information about what was happening in Orlen and another companies, suggesting that company audits could supply adequate public information to measure the request for an investigative committee.
