– We have not concluded – VG

TROMSØ (VG) In the Hurdal platform, the Støre government promises to reverse the court reform. But the prime minister himself says they are waiting to conclude after the consultation round.

On Wednesday, Minister of Justice Emilie Enger Mehl (Sp) defended the reversal of judicial reform – despite strong objections from several professional circles.

– I think it is important with courts with local roots throughout Norway, and I think it is important that it will be like this in the future as well. I want to strengthen both small, medium and large courts throughout the country, Mehl told VG.

In the Hurdal platform, the government is clear that they want to reverse the reform.

But more state attorneys, the ecocrime boss, the judges ‘association, the lawyers’ association and the children’s ombudsman are among those who have warned against a reversal.

– Must listen to the feedback

– Should the Labor Party step in for a reversal that is close to an overall professional environment?

– We were critical of the centralization that the Solberg government implemented. Now we will have a broad hearing, and we will listen to the feedback, says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labor).

– So we have not concluded on what the change should be, but the starting point is that we want accessible courts close to the users.

– So it is not the case that a reversal will necessarily be carried out?

– A hearing must be taken seriously, but the goal is to ensure independent courts with local management. We are concerned that this will lead to better legal certainty and better proximity to the court.

Children’s Ombudsman Inga Bejer Engh is among the critics of the government’s reverse zeal:

– By reversing the judicial reform, one does not strengthen the rule of law, one weakens the rule of law, and this applies especially to children and young people, she has stated to NRK.

– Are you sure that the rule of law is just as well taken care of with a reversal?

– The goal must be to ensure good legal security, and part of legal security is that people feel that there is not too much distance to the courts, says Støre.

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