SV’s Kari Elisabeth Kaski attacks the Støre government’s state budget: – Not a new direction for the country, she says, and reminds that the government needs support from SV in the Storting.
–
On Monday, Minister of Finance Trygve Slagsvold Vedum (Sp) presented the changes in the state budget for 2022 that the recent Støre government has managed to work out since the change of government almost four weeks ago.
Despite the fact that the government has pointed to SV as their preferred budget partner, SV’s fiscal policy spokesperson Kari Elisabeth Kaski is critical of the changes the government is proposing in the state budget:
– This is too gray and too small for Norway. Here there are some new measures, but not a new direction for the country, as SV wants.
She is not happy, but will work to get a majority for the budget.
– Now it is up to the government to meet SV and secure a majority for the budget, she says.
–Several positive moves
Kaski believes that the budget must go much further in several areas.
– SV is ready to negotiate about the solutions Norway needs, to ensure fair distribution, good welfare and that Norway takes responsibility for the climate crisis. The budget must go much further in areas such as inequality, climate and welfare, says Kaski, who adds that she sees several bright spots:
– There are several positive individual measures in this budget, but not enough to reduce inequality and expand welfare in Norway. In the midst of the climate summit in Glasgow, the government is further weakening its climate policy, and is not taking the major steps that build the industries of the future and cut emissions, she adds.
Kaski highlights two issues: differences and climate.
– This decade will be defined by the climate crisis and the inequality crisis. They are connected. And growing differences are toxic to society, Kaski said.
She also refers to the housing market as a driver for inequality in Norway.
The SV politician calls for a willingness to use larger and stronger political instruments.
In recent years, SV has presented alternative budgets that show a different course for Norway. A more solidary and fair course that redistributes power and wealth and that cuts climate emissions and prioritizes green industry and industrial policy. To achieve this, we must use the great instruments.
Common course
Minister of Finance Vedum emphasizes in his answer to Kaski that he believes SV and the government have a similar project.
– SV, Ap and Sp have a common analysis and a common goal. We want a Norway with minor differences, both socially and geographically, says Vedum from the Storting’s rostrum.
He points out that Kaski in his post demanded an effort in housing policy and says that the government is increasing the loan limit for the Housing Bank.
– It is important that when Sp, Ap and SV work with the budget, that we manage to even out differences, reduce emissions and see all parts of Norway, he says.
–
