– Firstly, I believe that it is very important that the relationship between an individual and the tax authorities is of a private and personal nature. This is an area where we should be a little careful in cutting everyone across the same comb in how we should approach this, says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labor).
Today, Støre held his summary press conference before the summer. Støre met the press in the government’s entertainment facility behind the Palace in central Oslo.
Støre nevertheless encourages politicians to have the greatest possible degree of openness.
– Therefore, I do not want to stand here and say that all parliamentary representatives and former members of the government must now present this to the public. But then I want to add that I want to encourage the greatest possible degree of openness. I think this is very much about trust in politicians, says Støre.
Having the opportunity to live both in Oslo and elsewhere in Norway requires openness and reasonableness, Støre believes.
– But I do not want to use my index finger and order people to do it. It is wise to be open, says Støre.
– The autumn will be demanding
Recently, people have experienced increased prices, both for food and other goods and services. Yesterday also increased Norges Bank interest rate by 0.5 percentage points.
– The autumn will be demanding for many. High prices, higher interest rates will be felt and especially for those with bad advice from before, says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labor).
– This is politics’ great challenge. Prevent us from getting injustices that grow, says Støre.
Støre is leaving behind his first year as prime minister. A year marked by both pandemic, power crisis and the war in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labor Party) says the autumn will be demanding for many.
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Smaller space for construction and transport
Yesterday’s interest rate hike raises questions about the level of activity in the Norwegian economy.
In light of the EU’s confidence that Norway will continue to supply energy exports in the form of gas and oil, the Prime Minister stated that other parts of the activity must be reduced.
– If we are to provide them with poor advice for eviction, we can not say that it is the households that should be the main element. Then there are other parts of the Norwegian activity that must be looked at with new eyes, especially related to construction and transport, he says.
Støre says there will be less room for expensive projects in construction and transport, which for many years have been characterized by cost cracks.
– We want to present a national transport plan in 2024 instead of in 2025, says Støre.
Støre points out that the EU emphasizes the value of Norwegian oil and gas.
– Now the EU itself writes that Norwegian oil and gas have lower emissions. This underlines Norway’s close ties to Europe when it comes to energy. These are great opportunities for Norway, says Støre.
– There is noise sometimes
Støre talked about finding good solutions between the Center Party and the Labor Party, and then SV.
– There is noise sometimes. Solutions that some people complain about. But we can implement this in a way without it slamming in the doors, says Støre.
Støre also commented on the opinion polls of the Labor Party.
– I would very much like to have other measurements. I know that many people are frustrated by this, but it does not concern me more than that this is a time when we have to take responsibility, says Støre.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the government has been involved in several demanding cases.
– I have lost ministers I would very much like to keep, says Støre.
Still difficult relationship with Russia
Støre does not think there is much room for Norway to have a normal relationship with Russia as long as Putin is in power.
– It looks difficult. A country that inflicts so much suffering on another. Management is responsible. It will stick with the leadership for a long time. The values on which Russia is governed today, with totalitarian characteristics, make it very difficult, he says.
– What we have been involved in for the last 30 years is very difficult to imagine again, says Støre.
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