Ex-E-Control boss Boltz supports the Greens and Neos’ plans to ban Russian gas – at the same time he received lavish salaries as an advisor to Energy Minister Gewessler
Vienna (OTS) – In a press conference today, NEOS and former E-Control boss Walter Boltz wanted to show ways to exit the supply of Russian gas. FPÖ technology spokesman Dipl-Ing. Gerhard Deimek can only smile at Boltz’s portrayal as a supposedly independent expert: “Dr. Walter Boltz is undoubtedly an expert on the energy market and can confidently claim to be an expert. However, after the recent revelations, he can no longer be described as ‘independent’.” Particularly piquant: Walter Boltz received a total of 100,000 euros from Leonore Gewessler’s Climate Protection Ministry over five months in the second half of 2022 for his “assessment of the development of the international markets for fossil fuels”. conceded. This was covered by a parliamentary question from the FPÖ General Secretary NAbg. Michael Schnedlitz.
In 2023, Boltz also had a chance at Gewessler: He was allowed to develop a concept of measures to break up OMV and take over the OMV gas business by the state-owned ÖBAG. “Of course it is everyone’s right to demand appropriate remuneration for their work. The fact that NEOS is introducing Walter Boltz as an ‘independent expert’ seems downright ridiculous given the circumstances,” says Deimek.
Boltz expertise with a flexibility component
In general, Boltz’s expertise seems to be subject to a certain degree of versatility. In the ORF article “E-Control: No gas shortage expected” from 2014 – the year in which Russia forcibly occupied the Crimean peninsula – you can read: “More independence brings higher costs. Boltz spoke out in favor of stopping buying gas from Russia. Much more (sic!) should be achieved through investments in the European gas network and the gas infrastructure as a whole so that failures, regardless of which supplier, can be compensated for more easily.
FPÖ NAbg. Dipl.-Ing. Deimek concluded by calling for more state responsibility when dealing with energy issues: “The last thing we need in this situation is reflexive political action, such as that promoted by the Greens and NEOS. Rather, strategic approaches must be developed whose aim is to ensure Austria’s security of supply and dampen inflation. The needs of our own population must once again be placed at the center of all considerations.”
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