Debate post This is a debate entry, written by an external contributor. The post expresses the writer’s views.
On Tuesday 30 April, there was once again a heated ferry debate in the county council in Rogaland. A debate that consisted of talk about both bullies and threats.
We now clearly see that it matters who is in charge. The majority parties in Rogaland, H, FrP, KrF and V, choose to charge for ferries that the Government has provided funds for so that they will be free. This is outright anti-district politics and benefits no one. What was intended as a handshake to the districts, island communities without a mainland connection, instead turned into a big debate about who was the bully. Is it the Government that gives Rogaland money for a free ferry or is it they who choose to take this away?
The free ferry scheme has been a great success. For us at Haugalandet, this has meant a free ferry for both cars and passengers to Utsira. Both residents and businesses have been grateful, but with sudden changes it is hard to know what tomorrow will bring. Perhaps it is time to listen to those affected on Utsira, Kvitsøy, Vassøy, Ombo and the islands in the old Finnøy municipality?
In any case, the mayor of Utsira has been clear about the importance of the free ferry for them in his reader’s entry to Haugesund’s Avis on 30 November 2023. “The free ferry has meant more than most realise. Noticeably more people have come to visit Utsira. More guests also means more activity and higher well-being. Not least, this scheme has made it possible for more young people to participate in leisure activities in Haugesund. The introduction of the free ferry has contributed to a better economy for both businesses, residents, part-time residents and travelers to our island. The ferry is our only connection with the mainland, and it has been expensive for many to commute during the day.”
Here we clearly see the effects politics has on people and their everyday lives, which we as politicians affect every single day. An everyday life that suddenly became more expensive and more unpredictable. The good news that the ferry to Utsira would be free no longer applies. The message is instead that a free ferry was not desirable. In Rogaland, we would rather pay for our ferries ourselves.
As the only county in the country, Rogaland now says no to this successful scheme. Rogaland is now on the Norwegian map, but in an unflattering way. The majority parties were clearly told that they had to turn around and reintroduce the free ferry, otherwise the money intended for the free ferry would be withdrawn. We have now received the final answer from the Minister for Municipalities and Districts. Rogaland will be deducted 9.2 million as a result of the free ferry no longer being free. What would compensate for lost ticket revenue from the government, we would rather come from our own citizens.
Fortunately, the majority parties can still turn around. For the citizens of Rogaland, I really hope they do.
