Videanu becomes the most important business player

Adriean Videanu, the Romanian economy minister, has become the most important business player "overnight", after the Boc-led government decided the transfer from the State Assets Resolution Agency (AVAS) of the state's stakes in over 40 companies, stakes that had been given to this institution back in 2006, to the Economy Ministry.

The most important companies to be taken over by the Economy Ministry include Petrom, Distrigaz Sud, Electrica SA, Avioane Craiova and the energy complexes of Turceni, Rovinari and Craiova. The Boc-led government decided to take over the more than 40 companies shortly after it came into office. The economy minister could not be contacted by edition close.

The decision is viewed with scepticism by Theodor Athanasiu, the former chairman of AVAS, who in 2006 decided to take over the management of the over 40 companies. "No ministry of any European country is in charge with the management of some state-owned companies and this is why I believe this move is a step backward, because the same people will handle sector policies and also become market players," Athanasiu states. According to the legal document, over 60 companies, including some so far part of AVAS portfolio, will be subordinated to, co-ordinated by or under the authority the Economy Ministry.

Ziarul Financiar