Sonatrach’s CEO earns two wages

CEO of Algeria’s energy group Sonatrach Abdelhamid Zerguine continues earning his salary as the manager of a Switzerland-based joint venture between the national company and Italy’s Eni although he was appointed at Sonatrach’s head on November 17th in 2011, officials told Echorouk.

Investigations show that Eni continued acquiring loans interest although the loans period was over.

Algerian energy minister Youcef Youssfi rejected a list of new appointments at Sonatrach suggested by Zerguine and ordered to extend work contracts between the company and some executives. He is expected to make changes to senior positions at Sonatrach.

According to the same source, Mohamed Reda Hameche, office Director of Sonatrach’s former CEO Mohamed Mziane who has been under judicial surveillance since 2010 was a frequent visitor to gas sale subsidy in Switzerland. Former energy minister Chakib Khalil appointed him at the joint venture.