OREANDA-NEWS. July 26, 2013. The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS Russia) initiated a case upon signs of violating the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition” (Part 1 Article 15) as well as the Federal Law “On Trade” (Article 15) against the Governor and the Government of the Samara region upon the facts of enforcing the Governor’s Address of December 2012.

Earlier, “METRO Cash & Carry” Ltd. and “Federal Food Company” Ltd. filed petitions to FAS about violating the antimonopoly law in the Samara region, and enclosed evidence of enforcing the Governor’s appeal by Samara authorities. Having investigated the petitions, FAS initiated a case upon signs of violating the antimonopoly law and the law on trading activities.

The Address of the Government of the Samara region, Nikolai Merkushkin, to the members of Samara Regional Legislature and the population of the region called upon increasing the share of Samara-made beverages to up to 80% in 2-3 years by improving the sale system, and establishing elements of the monopolist status of regional producers. FAS classified the Governor’s Appeal as contrary to the law and sent a letter to the Head of the constituent territory of the Russian Federation that such statements are unacceptable. Thus, the Government of the Samara region was warned that if any actions towards enforcing the Governor’s appeal are taken, FAS shall undertake measures of antimonopoly control. In spite of the warning, however, according to the information available to FAS, Samara authorities are attempting to enforce the Government’s Address, particularly, in the part in question.

The case is scheduled for 4th September 2013.