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Vedum warns of a “clear focus” on the police in the revised national budget (NTB)
On Thursday, the government meets to make changes to the national budget. The Minister of Finance has promised more for the Armed Forces, but is now also pointing to the police and emergency preparedness.
– There will be extra funds for the police in the revised national budget. They are under great pressure, and do an important job for your safety and mine, says Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum (Sp) to NTB. read more
– We are at least as frustrated as the commuters (Finansavisen)
Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård (Ap) got to experience grilling over an open fire at the Storting on Wednesday morning.
Closure of Ring 1 in Oslo, train sets on the Vestfoldbanen, signal failure on Oslo S, accusations of anti-urban politics, and interference with the citizens’ free choice of transport – that was some of what Nygård had to deal with during around three quarters of an hour on the floor of the Storting.
– Some of the concrete questions concerning train delays and challenges in the railways in the last six months are well known to us. We are at least as frustrated by it as the commuters are. We are simply going to fix Norwegian railways, says transport minister Jon-Ivar Nygård (Ap), who promises more money for maintenance and renewal. read more
Oslo’s transport council cannot rule out bus collapse: – Bankruptcy is always a scenario (Aftenposten)
The Norwegian Transport Agency in Oslo was called on the carpet on Wednesday. A possible Unibuss bankruptcy will affect large parts of public transport, which worries the politicians. In a crisis meeting of the environment and transport committee, transport councilor Marit Vea (V) had to answer on Wednesday afternoon about the possible crisis.
– Bankruptcy is always a scenario when operating with commercial companies, but a scenario I go to great lengths to avoid, Vea told Aftenposten. read more
Astrid Hoem is stepping down as AUF leader this autumn (VG)
Astrid Hoem confirms that she is stepping down as AUF leader at the national meeting in October. The 29-year-old has led the Labor Party’s youth organization for four years. – There is no drama associated with this. It feels right now. Although AUF has been my home for half my life, and of course it will be sad and wistful to say thank you for now in October. But once an AUFer, always an AUFer as we say, she tells VG. read more
Onshore wind power splits the people in two (Free Trade Union Movement)
A new opinion poll shows that the country is completely divided on the issue of new onshore wind power:
• 43 percent say they completely disagree or partially disagree that we should have more wind power on land. • 42 percent say they are completely or partially in favor. • In as many as five parties there is a majority for onshore wind power. • One in four nationally – regardless of party affiliation – considers himself a committed wind power opponent of onshore wind. There are more people who are strongly against wind power than people who are strongly in favor.
The opposition to wind power can be found in those who vote for Red, the Center Party and the FRP. With the two extreme parties on each side, 40 percent say they disagree that Norway needs more onshore wind power. The survey was carried out for Renewable Norway – a nationwide interest and employer organization for the renewables industry. read more
Gives all the money to the party (Stavrum & Eikeland, Nettavisen)
The high-profile Rødt politician and Storting representative Mímir Kristjánsson is current with the book “Help, then go to Switzerland”, which he has written with his partner, Sofie Marhaug, also a Rødt politician and Storting representative. They don’t write the book to get rich themselves.
– All the money we earn from the book we have to give to Rødt, every damn penny, says Kristjánsson to Stavrum & Eikeland. The Red politician is also open about his troubled relationship with alcohol: – It is under some form of control. Life’s great fight. read more
Activists take control (Trygve Hegnar’s manager, Finansavisen)
Palestine activists tried to stop Norges Bank’s investment seminar by blocking the entrance to Norges Bank. The activists believe that the Oil Fund must get rid of shares in companies that supply Israel with weapons or that cooperate with the Israeli arms industry. One might like to think so, but it had little to do with the investment day. Moreover, it is the Ethics Council and the Ministry of Finance that set guidelines in such cases. It is becoming a little too easy for activists and protesters to shut down events they don’t like. read more
Report: Norwegians’ climate footprint must be cut sharply if we are to reach the 1.5 degree target (NTB)
Each of us emits an average of 7.8 tonnes of CO2 a year, and Norwegians’ everyday life is incompatible with reaching the climate targets, a recent analysis shows. We have to change our habits if we are to succeed in reaching the goal in line with the Paris Agreement, according to the analysis that the Hot or Cool Institute has done for the Future in our hands. read more
Ukraine: – Absolutely crucial (Daily newspaper)
Defense Minister Bjørn Arlid Gram is jubilant about the US’s support for Ukraine. At the same time, he promises more money from Norway. read more
The reconstruction of Ukraine under way without Norwegian companies (DN)
The government states that the reconstruction of Ukraine will require participation from the private sector, and a number of countries are contributing with their businesses. But Innovation Norway, which is responsible for facilitating Norwegian business, has only been given the task of “following along”. Innovation Norway has no one on the ground, while all our neighboring countries are there.
– There is massive interest from a wide range of Norwegian companies in starting up in Ukraine. But then they need expertise on the ground. Our neighboring countries have established that. We should too, says head of Innovation Norway, Håkon Haugli.
While our neighboring countries are betting that business will contribute in Ukraine, Norway will “follow along”. And Innovation Norway has no one present. read more
Summer of hope for Ukraine (manager, DN)
Finally, the new American weapon arrives in Ukraine. read more
Hamas opens for long-term ceasefire (NTB)
Hamas is willing to enter into a long-term ceasefire with Israel and will also lay down its weapons if the Palestinians get their own state, says a leader. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya has represented the Palestinian movement in the negotiations on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. read more
Norway joins the EU’s West Bank sanctions package (NRK)
Like the EU, Norway sanctions violent settlers on the West Bank. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide (Ap) says he is troubled by the situation. The news that Norway is joining the sanctions was first reported by NRK.
– I am very worried about the increase in settlement violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Civilians have been killed, homes and private property have been destroyed, and entire communities have been razed, says Eide in a statement. read more
Russia blocked UN proposal against nuclear arms race in space (NTB)
Russia on Wednesday vetoed in the Security Council a proposal by the United States and Japan to avert a nuclear arms race in space. The vote showed that 13 of the 15 members supported the proposal, while Russia and China voted against. read more
Norway condemns North Korea’s rocket launch on Monday (NTB)
North Korea launched several short-range missiles on Monday this week. Norway condemns the launch.
“Such launches are a breach of several resolutions in the UN Security Council and threaten regional and international security. Norway urges the North Korean authorities to refrain from further tests, comply with their international obligations and resume political dialogue,” says a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. read more
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Also read: This is what the newspapers write about the Norwegian economy on Thursday 25 April
Also read: This is what the newspapers write about Oslo Børs on Thursday 25 April
Tags: Norwegian politics Politics newspapers write Norwegian politics Thursday April
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