Gabriella Heiszler, CEO and President of Spar, disclosed at a press event that the Austrian company had experienced another loss-making year.
Responding to inquiries from Világgazdaság, she also addressed rumors about the company's potential withdrawal from Hungary.
"I do not make that decision; it's up to the owner. But as far as my discussions with them go, there are no plans to exit," said Gabriella Heiszler when asked about the possibility of Spar leaving the country. This comes amid strained relations between the Austrian firm and the Hungarian government in recent times.
As previously reported, Spar lodged a complaint against the Hungarian Government with the European Commission in Brussels. The retailer believes Hungary has violated EU laws by interfering in the market to prevent the rising cost of food. Moreover, in a March interview, Spar executive Hans Reisch essentially accused the Hungarian government of quasi-nationalization. Due to these allegations, Márton Nagy announced the government's intent to sue Spar.
Gabriella Heiszler revealed that the company had operated at a loss last year, roughly on the same scale as the year prior, though she chose not to disclose more detailed figures. However, she did note that while the overall market turnover decreased by 8 percent last year, Spar's sales decline was only about half of that rate.
The CEO acknowledged having a "tense conversation" with Márton Nagy, the Minister of National Economy, but concluded the discussions satisfactorily. Regarding the special retail tax, Spar hopes to prove its point, although it anticipates a lengthy legal process spanning several years. The government is preparing a lawsuit against the company, but Spar has not yet received any official notification.
According to the company leader, Spar would undoubtedly be profitable if it were not required to pay the special tax, which amounts to 30 billion forints.