CLAIMS OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DO NOT JUSTIFY ANTICOMPETITIVE PRACTICES

Competition Council (Council) draws attention to disrespectful treatment of law demonstrated by some public administrative bodies that have been charged for breaching the Law on Competition.

“Claims of social responsibility cannot justify breaches of competition law. Publicly voiced concerns about the “protection” of consumers, boasting about new job openings camouflage exclusive privileges granted to municipal companies.” – says Šarūnas Keserauskas, Chairman of the Council.

The Council reminds that the decision on “Vilnius veža” is already the eighth decision concerning anticompetitive behaviour of Vilnius City Municipality. Almost half of the investigations carried out by the Council in 2014 were related to anticompetitive conduct of public administrative bodies: five breaches were found, six new investigations opened and two investigations terminated.