Seven decisions for violation of competition rules were issued by the Competition Protection Commission, according to what the Commission's President, Loukia Christodoulou, informed the Finance Committee, where its budget was discussed on Monday.
The Commission's expenditure for 2023 amounts to €2,304,878. The Chair informed Members that the majority of the Commission's budget is for salary payments and the small 6.4% increase[/B] seen in relation to 2022 salary increases.
The Chair further informed Members that in December 2021, nine officers were recruited to the Service, with more positions pending to be filled.
Members of the Commission requested information regarding the cases handled by the Commission in 2022. Christodoulou said that in 2022, seven competition infringement decisions were issued and fines were entered. In total, 158 decisions were examined in 190 sessions, with a variety of topics. However, the Competition Commission will send MPs detailed information with the cases, the subject matter and the amount of fines.
Responding to questions from Mr. Kaikalias regarding cases of unfair competition concerning the participation of foreign companies in private hospitals, the price of milk, fuel, or the increase in bank interest rates when the government's interest rate subsidy plan was announced during the pandemic, Ms. Christodoulou pointed out that the Commission's legal framework is very strict and limited, and those convicted have the right to go to court and appeal.
However, there have been convictions, he said, for example on the price of milk, while investigations are ongoing, such as on the issue of foreign companies in private hospitals and their participation rates, or on fuel, whether there is a dominant position and whether it is being abused.
He noted that the Commission is looking into whether there is abuse or collusion, however, he explained, there has to be evidence to substantiate the allegations and that is where the difficulty lies. He urged that if there is evidence to be given to the Commission, as a case can also be opened through an anonymous letter.
[BRP][BRP]Finally, he said that the Commission won 3 decisions in the Administrative Court in 2021, and an appeal against a Commission decision was recently dismissed. He noted that although there is an excellent relationship with the Legal Service, there are many delays.
Source: CNA
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