London has for the first time marked the Muslim holiday of Ramadan with light decorations in the streets. Next year, Oslo should follow suit, says Høyre’s city council leader candidate Eirik Lae Solberg.
“Happy Ramadan” beamed across Coventry Street at Piccadilly Circus in London’s West End on Tuesday evening.
London’s Muslim mayor Sadiq Khan lit the 30,000 candles, marking the first “Christmas-like” marking of the Muslim fasting month on London’s streets, according to BBC.
Now Høyre’s city council candidate Eirik Lae Solberg wants Oslo to be inspired by London.
– This is something I want to achieve in Oslo if we win the election in the autumn, he tells Aftenposten.
– London did it this year. Oslo should follow up until next year. It is a bit late this year, says Solberg.
Ramadan starts this year on Thursday.
Will celebrate several religious holidays
Solberg believes that such a marking will show that Oslo is a city where everyone is welcome, and a city that values and appreciates diversity.
– We should also do that for other faiths that have many followers in Oslo. It could be Hindus, it could be Sikhs, or Jews, of whom there aren’t that many, but who have long traditions here, says Solberg.
– It must of course be discussed with the various faiths, he adds.
He believes that such measures are more important, and points to a new IMDI report. It shows that many Muslims have experienced discrimination and prejudice on the basis of their faith.
– By showing that Oslo is a city where everyone is welcome, and that values and appreciates diversity, we will also become a city where more people feel at home, he believes.
Will cooperate with Oslo’s stores
Solberg believes that such a marking should take place in collaboration with Oslo’s Chamber of Commerce.
– There are many people who celebrate Id, and then buy gifts and a little extra food in the same way as during the Norwegian Christmas holiday. I think the stores in Oslo will certainly see the opportunity to get a positive effect out of it. It will be able to increase trade even before that holiday, he says.
Solberg says it can, for example, be decorated along Karl Johans gate or Torggaten.
– Or somewhere else. Then we could have combined it with hanging banners along Karl Johan, which the municipality can stand for, he says.
– Elections are approaching, and all the parties were fighting for the immigrant votes. Is this an attempt to get more votes from this group?
– No, we have been inspired by London, and I hope this is something we can get broad political agreement on. I hope this will be carried out regardless of who wins the election, he says.
