FRP leader Sylvi Listhaug believes that authoritarian forces are on the rise in several places in the world and warns Norwegians against taking freedom for granted.
– The war in Ukraine shows what kind of forces are at work near us. Authoritarian and anti-democratic forces that want a completely different social structure than the one we have. They do not want freedom of expression, and they do not want freedom for the people, Listhaug says to NTB.
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On Friday, she will speak during the FRP’s national meeting at Gardermoen. Listhaug warns that precisely freedom – and especially freedom of expression – will be central themes in the speech.
– We have been naive for far too many years. Naivism must end, and we must be more realistic going forward. Defense policy is one of the areas in which we must be more realistic. In addition, we see that freedom of expression is also under pressure in Norway, says Listhaug.
– Dangerous road to walk
She refers to the riots in Sweden, where the police were attacked by counter-protesters when the Danish politician and right-wing extremist Rasmus Paludan planned and carried out Koran burning.
– We also see this in Norway, most recently in Sandefjord, says Listhaug.
Here the police had to use tear gas against counter-protesters when Stop the Islamization of Norway (Sian) was to burn the Koran in the center of the city.
– I do not support the burning of the Koran at all. I distance myself from the action. But I will always defend the right of others to do this as part of their freedom of speech. It is an important principle we have, which we must stand up for, says Listhaug.
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She says she is worried about Aftenpostens opinion poll that showed that only three out of ten Norwegians think burning the Koran should be allowed.
– I think that is a dangerous way to go, because then we mess with freedom of speech. If you forbid it first, what will happen next? That is what is dangerous, says Listhaug.
Must invest significant resources
She is also concerned that some local politicians, such as the mayor of Sandefjord, believe that freedom of expression has gone too far when Koran burning is allowed.
She says the public sector must instead do everything they can to ensure that people have the right to express what they want, within current legislation.
– We must invest significant resources. It is about defending the Constitution. We will make it easy for people to express themselves. It is frightening to hear that some local politicians are advocating for the protesters to pay for their own security. Then we are out on a dangerous galley, says Listhaug.
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She thinks it is easy to defend freedom of expression when it comes to statements you yourself agree with, but says it is more difficult when you are against what is being said.
– Many people talk about freedom of expression in party speeches. It is easy to stand up for mainstream opinions that many agree on. It is when it comes to statements you strongly disagree with, that you may even find disgusting, that is when it is most difficult, but also most important to stand up. for freedom of expression, says Listhaug.
(©NTB)
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