SV Deputy Leader Torgeir Knag Fylkesnes received the largest known tax claim among Storting representatives who received benefits from free commuter accommodation.
Sunday reported VG that his account comes to DKK 477,000.
Dagbladet asked all 11 county leaders of the party whether such a case affects whether he should become leader.
Fylkesnes is one of three candidates to become party leader when Audun Lysbakken steps down in March. Fylkesnes has not yet commented on whether he is current as leader.
The three county leaders who want to comment on the matter all defend Fylkesnes.
Counting on the “Røkke tax”
– Unreasonable
Incidentally, the two further north believe that Tromsøværing should be able to become leader.
– I don’t think it affects the leadership position. Such a case will not be decisive, says Bjarne Rohde. He is from Tromsø, like Fylkesnes.
– Parliamentary representatives have done a lot to make everything go smoothly. It’s unreasonable to have to use this case against them, says Åshild Pettersen, county head of SV Nordland.
He believes the tax scandal boils down to a disagreement between the Storting and the Agenzia delle Entrate. He claims that no politician has tried to evade taxes.
Release tax hits
Million increase
Fylkesnes received NOK 1,026,644 in income increase for the years 2017-2020 for the benefit he had of free commuter accommodation, according to VG. The increase is due to the fact that the four-year market value was included in the calculation.
While living in free commuter housing in Oslo, Fylkesnes rented an apartment in Oslo and parts of his house in Tromsø.
– The tax claim is due to the partial letting of the apartment in Tromsø, Fylkesnes told VG on Sunday.
A total of 38 current and former politicians received tax complaints. The cases have led to several departures from top positions.
So far only eight of the Storting’s politicians have been open about the amount and reason for the tax claim.
Now Vedum is also in crisis
– It will surprise
Even the county manager of Vestfold and Telemark SV doesn’t think the tax slap will solve the matter.
– I’d be surprised if it had any effect. We need an experienced leader and we have several good candidates, says Grete Wold.
SV does not wish to comment on the matter. County councils did not respond to Dagbladet’s questions.
During the day, counties conduct tough negotiations with the government on next year’s state budget.
Right cut: – Anguish and misery
Silence on the candidacy
Deputy leader Kirsti Bergstø and tax spokeswoman Kari Elisabeth Kaski are also favorites for the leadership position.
Nordland leader Åshild Pettersen pointed to Bergstø.
The Socialist Youth, as well as the leaders of Oslo SV and Innlandet SV, named Kaski as their favourite. Bergstø said it’s nice to be flagged, but otherwise none of them have commented on whether they’re relevant.
