– It is probably a bit new for someone that one should emphasize the popular opinion as strongly as we do, says Vedum.
There have been harsh words from Kristiansand after the government promised that the inhabitants of the former municipalities Søgne and Songdalen will be heard in a referendum if they want to break free.
Although the Center Party has always argued that the smallest municipalities should be listened to, the government points to its common document The Hurdal platform in a process where the new municipal council must decide to apply for dissolution if this is to become relevant. This was considered in the new Kristiansand municipality, but on 1 December last year said the city council refused to apply for dissolution.
– I think some of the reactions skip the most important; namely that we say that people should be listened to and that there should be a referendum, says Vedum to NRK no.
The rage has been our most prominent in the Labor Party. Labor mayor Jan Oddvar Skisland in Kristiansand has questioned whether the party should be in government with the Center Party.
Today, both Prime Minister Støre and Vedum’s own Minister of Local Government, Sigbjørn Gjelsvik, travel to Kristiansand to try to dampen the waves on the otherwise mild southern coast. Gjelsvik meets the municipality, Støre must talk to the local party.
– I have understood that someone experience that this comes as a bit of a surprise, but if one remembers what has been said, then this is the same as we said in the election campaign.
No turning operation
One of many questions today, when Støre and Gjelsvik meet angry local politicians in Sørlandet, is whether it is relevant for the government to adjust its plan.
It rejects the center party leader.
– Can you be willing to change the decision to help the government partner when you see what problem it creates for the Labor Party and the Prime Minister?
– It’s about the thing. This is a joint decision.
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