It is time to work to change Norway from a disguised republic to one genuine republic.
Published: 25/04/2024 10:32
This is a debate post. Any opinions expressed in the text are the responsibility of the writer. If you want to participate in the debate, you can read how here.
On Tuesday 23 April, historian Trond Norén Isaksen writes an article in Aftenposten in which he argues that Ingrid Alexandra Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Glücksburg should rule when her father or grandfather cannot.
Went perfectly fine
From 15 April to 18 April, Norway was supposedly without a domestic head of state. A rarity according to those who keep track of such things.
Did we notice it? Did our country notice? No, then – things went on as usual, and ministers were held without anyone from the above-mentioned family present. And it went just fine.
The truth is that the royals no longer have any say in how the country is run
The truth is that the royals no longer have any say in how the country is run. Norway is what British state theorists call «A disguised republic»and former civil ombudsman Arne Fliflet calls Norway «a republic in disguise» in the book «State law in a nutshell”.
Arne Fliflet is even the owner of Order of St. Olav Order of St. OlavThe Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav is awarded as a “reward for excellent services to Norway and humanity”. Source: The Norwegian Royal House.
It is therefore time to start working to change Norway from a disguised republic to one genuine republic. The number of monarchies in the world is small, and they are becoming fewer and fewer. If Norway had been one true republic today, surely no one would think of changing the form of government to monarchy?
The last country to become a monarchy in Europe was when the dictator Francisco Franco changed the form of government in Spain.
What is most unifying?
The argument that is often used to defend our ancient system is that it is supposed to be so unifying. About. 73 percent want to keep the monarchy in Norway. In England 50–60 per cent. About the same in the Netherlands and Spain and Sweden.
In the Republic of Germany, 8 percent want a monarchy. And support for monarchy is largely at that level – or lower – in the world’s republics
So what is more unifying – monarchy or republic?
