– War in Europe, high prices, climate change: the turmoil we experienced in 2022 is still here. What we have long taken for granted, such as progress and stability, are no longer so obvious, Støre said in his New Year’s speech.
– We worry when there is war in our immediate vicinity, interest rates rise and everything we need becomes more expensive and it becomes more difficult to plan for the future, said Støre, before adding that it is even more important to be together.
– It affects everyone in Europe
A year ago, Støre spoke about the corona pandemic and infection control measures that were still part of everyday life.
In this year’s speech, he stressed that Norway has overcome the pandemic and said that this should also apply to the electricity crisis.
– It was difficult, but we managed it, and I am confident that even now we will overcome the difficult moments, said Støre.
Read what TV 2 political commentator Aslak Eriksrud thinks of the speech later in the article.
The Prime Minister said the electricity subsidy scheme would continue this year as well, but he also gave a message on what the solution to the electricity crisis would be.
– The lasting solution to the energy crisis is for us to produce much more renewable energy from water, wind and the sun, so that prices in the future can be low and stable for people and businesses, said Støre.
He also said that more people than before will need help in the future due to the war and rising prices.
LET’S TALK ABOUT ENERGY: Støre said that the solution to the energy crisis is to produce more energy from water, wind and the sun. Photo: Beate Oma Dahle / NTB
– Fortunately, we have each other. Many have the help of family, neighborhood and colleagues, and together we have welfare. It’s not for decoration, it’s a joining layer that we’ve built over generations, said Støre.
– The welfare state is there to be used, and if we are to get through difficult times, we must take care of each other and use the resources found in a strong community, such as in the face of high electricity prices. They affect everyone in Europe because Russia has blocked almost all gas exports, the prime minister added.
Praise the municipalities
Norway has so far accepted around 35,000 refugees from Ukraine and many will come to Norway again next year. Støre praised the municipalities that settled them.
– People have opened their homes. Municipalities have made a tremendous effort to settle refugees across the country. Yes, every single municipality, from tiny Utsira to the big city of Oslo, hosts refugees, Støre said.
The prime minister stressed that Ukrainians who are still at home are facing a cold winter. Many have no electricity or water due to the war.
UKRAINE: – I told President Zelenskyj that the struggle of the Ukrainians is also our struggle, Støre said in his New Year’s speech. Here since the prime minister was in Ukraine this summer. Photo: Simen Askjer / TV 2
– I told President Zelenskyj that the struggle of the Ukrainians is also our struggle. They defend the right to freedom, democracy and independence, Støre said, adding:
– That’s why we will also help Ukrainians in the coming year, with emergency aid and help to defend themselves, and putting refugees into work and community here in Norway.
– We united against hate and incitement
Støre also spoke about the mass shooting in Oslo this summer, where two people were killed. He highlighted the company’s reaction after the incident.
– We came together and stood united against hate and incitement. Employees of the pubs where the shooting took place have defended those affected. They didn’t back down, but reopened a day later, Støre said.
He also cited Karoline and Tina Granum from Valdres, who stood out in August television 2 and many other media and spoke of instigation.
FICK HETS: Karoline and Tina Granum were mentioned by Jonas Gahr Støre in the New Year’s speech. Photo: Lars Nyland / TV 2
– They came out with their story, and as we walked to Pride they told me that if we walk away the others will win.
Støre has launched an appeal to everyone.
– Next year I want everyone to do like Karoline and Tina. Don’t be afraid, don’t back down, don’t stoop. While it may be uncomfortable at times, let’s invest in one of the best and strongest things we have: community and togetherness.
– He followed a safe recipe
– It was a confident and prime minister-like New Year’s speech, in which Støre rose above party politics and wanted to appear as a unifying leader for the whole country, says TV 2 commentator, Aslak Eriksrud.
Eriksrud thinks Støre seemed more comfortable a little further on.
– After a bit stiff and awkward start, where he starts to stand and talk while slowly walking towards the camera, he becomes much more comfortable when he sits on the couch and looks into our eyes, says Eriksrud.
– It was a speech that followed a sure recipe for New Year’s speeches. He looked up and talked about the big issues, like the war in Europe, that everything is getting more expensive and the climate and nature crisis, while fleshing out the individual people he’s met over the past year, he adds.
ROSE THE SPEECH: Aslak Eriksrud thinks the prime minister gave a good New Year’s speech. Photo: Fraud Sunde / TV 2
Eriksrud thinks the speech was good, but doesn’t think it will be remembered for long.
– In good Norwegian tradition, he spoke of unity and community as medicine for the crises many are going through. He made a good speech, although I don’t think it will go down in memory as a speech that will be remembered for long. But there aren’t many such New Year’s speeches either, Eriksrud says.
While Eriksrud thinks the speech was good, he doesn’t think it helps boost support for the Labor Party in opinion polls.
– Støre must appear as a more credible and trustworthy crisis manager than he has done so far. He has to be able to convince people that he too feels their anxiety and discomfort, and at the same time reassure us that we will get through the various crises together, says Eriksrud.
– It wasn’t a bad talk about it. But of course it will take more than a good speech to reverse the serious lack of trust voters are showing in government parties in opinion polls this winter, Eriksrud concludes.
