On Wednesday, a clear majority in the municipal council in Kristiansand decided that they will immediately stop work on a division into the former municipalities of Søgne, Songdalen and Kristiansand.
They also again said no to a citizens’ hearing, or referendum, as Sp, Trygve Slagsvold Vedum and municipal minister Sigbjørn Gjelsvik have been eager for.
Strong warning
– Provoked
But Gjelsvik is apparently not done with the matter. In a statement, he says that he registers the decision and that he respects it. But adds:
– The government is still concerned that people in Søgne and Songdalen should be heard. We will now consider in more detail how this can be done.
The reaction from the mayor of Kristiansand is not long in coming. Odd Oddvar Skisland belongs to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre’s own party and has been a vocal opponent of the split.
Promise more money
– I am provoked when I hear Gjelsvik’s comments. He says that he respects our decision, but it seems that he wants to continue the work of dividing Kristiansand.
The local government minister says the government still wants to include Kristiansand municipality on the team.
– The government wanted a collaboration with Kristiansand municipality regarding consultation of the residents, something the city council has stated that they do not want. I accept that of course.
Butchers own government: – Madness
Ber Støre directs
Recently, the state administrator in Agder submitted a report with a crushing verdict on a possible division. They believe that a resolution will affect services to the citizens and cost up to NOK 400 million.
Mayor Skisland reacts to Sp and Gjelsvik’s use of words. He believes that they do not show the concern for local self-government that they brag about.
– This is getting crazier and crazier. Sp says they want to respect local democracy, but here they do the exact opposite, says Gjelsvik.
Prayer to Støre in an internal meeting
In Ap in Kristiansand there is now great frustration over the government’s behavior and unwillingness to put the matter aside. The mayor is now begging for help from the boss, party leader and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
– I expect Støre to intervene and stop the process. He must tell Gjelsvik and the municipal ministry that they must give up. Enough is enough, says Skisland.
