The assets of Erste Bank customers are in perfect safety, the financial position of Erste Group is stable and rumours of difficulties at the bank are absolutely unsubstantiated, Minister of State for Taxation and Public Finances Gábor Orbán told public-service news channel M1.

As Gábor Orbán added, “Those who are spreading these rumours are not only very irresponsible, they are also committing a crime.”

Speaking about the state acquisition of 15 percent ownership in Erste Bank he stressed that the reason for obtaining a share in Erste Bank is not the weakness of the company, but just the opposite: the group is strong and growth prospects are very promising, “that is what we wish to share with the Austrian parent of Erste Group.”

(Ministry for National Economy)