– We said before the negotiations that these would be tough rounds. But the negotiations have been constructive, and I know that the government parties have stretched themselves far to reach an agreement, said SV leader Kirsti Bergstø at a press conference on Sunday evening.
Expanding the dental health reform and halting mineral extraction
Among the winning issues presented by Bergstø was that there will be no licensing for minerals on the seabed in 2025. This means that no companies can apply to search for or extract minerals on the Norwegian seabed next year.
SV leader Kirsti Bergstø is satisfied with the negotiation outcome
Photo: ellinor Halvari / NRK
– We have landed an agreement not to issue licenses for minerals on the seabed now. We do not have all the power forever, but what is crucial is that it does not happen now.And that is the power we have now, said Bergstø.
Bergstø said the party has also succeeded in increasing CO2 taxes on the Norwegian continental shelf.
Beyond climate measures, she also highlighted that SV has successfully expanded the dental health reform to include 28-year-olds.
– You will receive a 75 percent discount on dental treatment.
– We are increasing payouts to single minimum pensioners by 6000 kroner.
– Child benefit is being reintroduced as an economic foundation for families with children, and 2 billion has been set aside for child benefit. This means
– We are allocating 1.1 billion kroner for increased staffing in kindergartens and in after-school programs.
– We are strengthening the Housing Bank, building more student housing, and taking important steps for the environment.
– We will establish day trains to Copenhagen and Hamburg by 2026.
Tuva Moflag (Ap) pointed out that many have had a tough time during the high-cost crisis in recent years and stated that the government and SV prioritize ensuring that more people will have better finances.
Tuva moflag is the leader of the finance committee and the financial political spokesperson for the Labor Party.
In the national budget for 2025,taxes and fees will be reduced by approximately 17 billion kroner.
– We will strengthen defense and police and implement stronger measures against youth crime, said Moflag.
– Many municipalities are facing tough challenges and must prepare for a future with more elderly people. Municipal economics will be substantially strengthened with this budget.
– Although we show a cohesive direction, we have also had tug-of-war, said Moflag. SV has, among other things, succeeded in ensuring that we will not issue the first licensing round for minerals on the seabed in 2025.
In budget negotiations, one must both give and take. We are very pleased that we once again land a safe budget, said Tuva Moflag.
Focus on youth crime
Center Party’s Ole A. Myhrvold highlighted the government’s work against gang crime.
– I am glad that efforts against youth crime and the work to establish fast courts are being strengthened in cooperation with SV.
Ole André Myhrvold, financial political spokesperson for the Center Party
– The defense budget will be 110 billion kroner next year, which is in line with NATO’s goal that all member states should spend 2 percent of their gross income on defense. We are glad that we have the guard and the Minister of Defense when the NATO goal is reached, said myhrvold.
Myhrvold stated that the party has succeeded in keeping the fees for car use at a lower level than during all the years with the Conservative government.
He also said that the party has secured a majority for the debt relief scheme in municipalities with few people.
Secured majority for reducing VAT on water and sewage
– This is a solid budget to secure services close to people, protect Norway, and secure people’s finances. This is said by Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum.
– One of the new measures for all households is that the VAT on water and sewage will be reduced from 25 to 15 percent starting May 1, 2025. A household will save approximately 1500 kroner per year from this single tax reduction.
– Price growth is significantly reduced, unemployment is low, and people are experiencing real wage growth again.
Together with SV, the governing parties Sp/Ap have secured a majority for a number of measures that still reduced kindergarten prices, higher child benefits, minimum pensions, and cheaper ferries and flights in the short-haul network, says Vedum.
On thursday, December 5, there will be a budget debate in the Storting.
Published
01.12.2024, at 19:52
Updated
01.12.2024, at 23:58
What are the key social initiatives introduced by the Socialist Left Party in recent government negotiations?
Interviewer: welcome to Time.news. Today, we are delighted to have wiht us Kirsti bergstø, the leader of the Socialist Left Party (SV). Kirsti, thank you for joining us. There have been significant developments in the recent negotiations regarding government policies. Can you share what these negotiations have centered around?
Kirsti Bergstø: Thank you for having me. Yes, the negotiations have truly been constructive, even if tough at times. We’ve managed to address several crucial issues that reflect our commitment to social welfare and environmental sustainability.
Interviewer: That’s great to hear. One major outcome seems to be the decision to halt mineral extraction on the seabed for the coming year. Could you elaborate on what this means for Norway?
Kirsti Bergstø: absolutely. We are pleased that we successfully secured an agreement to not issue any licenses for mineral extraction on the seabed in 2025.This decision means that companies won’t be able to search for or extract these minerals next year. It’s a critical step in safeguarding our marine environment and reflects our prioritization of sustainability.
Interviewer: It sounds like a significant victory for the environmental front. Beyond that, I understand you have managed to implement some impactful social initiatives as well.
Kirsti Bergstø: Yes, indeed! We expanded the dental health reform to cover individuals up to 28 years old, allowing them to receive a 75% discount on dental treatments. This is an important measure to reduce healthcare costs for young people. Additionally, we are reintroducing child benefits, which is vital for supporting families with children.
Interviewer: That’s wonderful to hear. Also, you mentioned an increase in support for minimum pensioners and investment in childcare. Can you provide some specifics on these initiatives?
Kirsti Bergstø: Certainly! We’ve increased payouts to single minimum pensioners by 6,000 kroner per year starting May 1. Moreover, we are allocating 1.1 billion kroner for increasing staffing in kindergartens and after-school programs, which is crucial for improving early childhood education.
Interviewer: It truly seems the government is making strides in supporting vulnerable groups. What additional economic measures are included in these new negotiations?
Kirsti Bergstø: In addition to the measures already mentioned, student support will increase by 10 percent starting August 1. This aligns with our ongoing commitment to education. We are also strengthening the Housing Bank and taking significant steps to build more student housing.
Interviewer: How do you see these changes benefiting the broader Norwegian society in the long run?
Kirsti Bergstø: These changes are not merely temporary fixes; they are part of a long-term vision for a more inclusive and lasting society. By supporting our young people, families, and vulnerable populations, we are fostering a healthy, educated community that can contribute positively to the economy. Additionally, our commitment to environmental sustainability ensures that future generations inherit a healthier planet.
Interviewer: It’s clear you have a comprehensive approach. As we look ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of these policies, particularly regarding the environmental commitments?
Kirsti Bergstø: I hope to see continued progress in both environmental protection and social welfare. The halting of seabed mineral extraction is just a starting point. By raising CO2 taxes and pushing for further reforms, I believe we can make a significant impact in combating climate change while ensuring equitable economic growth for all.
Interviewer: Thank you, Kirsti, for sharing your insights and the details about these crucial negotiations. Your commitment to both the environment and social equity is inspiring. we look forward to seeing how these policies unfold in the coming years.
Kirsti Bergstø: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues.
