Thunberg-Led Protests at Mongstad Refinery Spark Expulsion Calls from Norwegian Politician
Norway’s political landscape is roiled by protests at the Mongstad oil refinery and the subsequent call for the expulsion of climate activist greta Thunberg by a prominent political figure.The demonstrations, led by Thunberg and involving an estimated 150 too 200 participants, including artist Aurora Aksnes, have disrupted operations at the Equinor-owned facility and ignited a national debate about climate action and the right to protest.
the protests began Monday as part of a pre-announced demonstration organized by Extinction Rebellion and supporters. Activists blocked both road and sea access to the refinery in Nordhordland, demanding a concrete plan from the Norwegian government to phase out fossil fuels in alignment with climate science. According to reports from NRK, protesters even alerted authorities to their presence, ensuring a coordinated, though disruptive, action.
“This oil terminal is a scene,” Thunberg declared in a statement relayed by Jonas Kittelsen, a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion.”We demand that Norway present a plan for phasing out in line with climate science. It is crystal clear that there is no future in oil.”
The response from Norwegian politicians has been sharply divided. Sylvi Listhaug, leader of the Progress Party (Frp), publicly called for Thunberg’s removal from the country during a live podcast appearance on Bergens Tidende’s “Someone Must Go,” alongside Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. “I think she should be expelled,” Listhaug stated, arguing that thunberg repeatedly returns to Norway to disrupt its operations. She suggested authorities utilize existing regulations to enforce her departure.
Prime Minister Støre, while critical of the protesters’ methods – stating they “violate the rules of the game” – disagreed with Listhaug’s call for expulsion, suggesting the matter was for the police to resolve.
Thunberg swiftly responded to Listhaug’s comments,stating,”If Norwegian politicians like Sylvi Listhaug spent one percent of his time solving real problems,rather than hating on peaceful youth,I woudl have nothing to demonstrate in Norway.”
authorities have taken action to manage the protests. Ten individuals were reported for breaching the refinery’s security zone after entering the area in boats and kayaks, and were subsequently escorted out by police vessels and the Coast Guard. Four protesters were arrested due to identification issues, according to police reports. As of late Monday, roads remained closed, with authorities maintaining a dialogue with protesters who expressed intentions to continue the demonstration through the night.
The incident underscores the growing tension between climate activism and established political interests in Norway, and raises questions about the limits of protest and the government’s commitment to addressing climate change.
Here’s a substantive news report answering the “why, who, What, and How” questions:
Why: Climate activists, led by Greta Thunberg, protested at the Mongstad oil refinery to demand the Norwegian government create a concrete plan to phase out fossil fuels in line with climate science.
Who: The protests were led by Greta Thunberg and involved approximately 150-200 participants, including artist Aurora Aksnes, organized by Extinction Rebellion and its supporters. Key political figures involved were Sylvi Listhaug (Progress Party leader) who called for Thunberg’s expulsion, and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who disagreed with the expulsion call.
What: Activists blocked road and sea access to the Mongstad refinery, disrupting operations. ten protesters were reported for breaching security, and four were arrested for identification issues
