Flee the rich

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Firstly it is about economic inequality. It is growing rapidly in Norway, and with greater economic inequality comes a number of unfortunate effects that we do not want. It is associated with poorer health in the population, more crime and less trust between people.

Secondly do we need the money. Our welfare state has a serious funding problem. If we are to make ends meet, we have to prioritize better, but it may just as well be that taxes have to go up. Then it is most reasonable to increase taxes on those who have the opportunity to bear that burden.

Thirdly is that fair. Rich business owners make good money from the fact that Norway has a well-educated population and good infrastructure – which we have all helped to pay for. When someone manages to get a large return from these goods, it is good for society, but you also have to expect to give something back.

A Statistics Norway report from 2020 showed that the richest one per cent in Norway receives 19 per cent of all income. The same group pays an average of 22 per cent tax, i.e. less tax per krone than people with ordinary incomes do. This obviously cannot be the case.

The rich don’t have good arguments at hand. Norway is, and will be, an attractive country to run businesses in, even if rich people have to pay a little more wealth tax. Nor should we attract all the world’s companies at any price. We need to have a tax system that feels fair and that gives everyone opportunities, not just one that is attractive to people born with a silver spoon in their mouth.

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