Security is forged not merely through eloquent rhetoric, but through tangible political priorities felt in the lives of everyday people. For families burdened by tight finances, businesses grappling with labor shortages, and young individuals striving to carve out their place in the workforce, the Government’s plan for Norway reflects a deliberate roadmap toward future priorities—especially here in Vestfold.
This plan signifies a departure from previous governance approaches characterized by lengthy platforms filled with hundreds of individual initiatives, often making it challenging to identify and execute the most pressing needs. Instead, we are narrowing our focus to a select number of larger projects that directly address the key challenges on the horizon: labor shortages, necessary industry transformations, pressures on welfare systems, and an increasingly unstable global environment.
In recent years, many in Vestfold have felt the sting of rising housing costs and soaring electricity prices. Thus, prudent financial management remains our top priority. By keeping nursery fees at historically low levels and stabilizing household electricity costs, we offer families a sense of predictability in their daily lives. Simultaneously, we are witnessing a positive economic trend that we must nurture to enhance financial guidance for individuals and facilitate greater workforce inclusion.
For Vestfold, the stakes are particularly high. Numerous companies report labor shortages across various sectors, including industry, construction, and health services. With a clear aim to boost employment, we are enhancing our efforts through lower taxes on labor, creating more vocational school placements, expanding opportunities for skill development, and fostering closer collaboration with industry. This initiative is not only about generating value but also about ensuring sustainable welfare funding in the years to come.
Vestfold is a desirable place to call home, yet many young people and first-time homebuyers confront a challenging housing market. The government’s commitment to facilitating the construction of additional homes, coupled with the digitization of planning and building processes, aims to streamline regulations. These changes, long sought by municipalities in Vestfold, will help ease the path into the housing market.
A robust and competitive business sector is vital for job security across the county. Vestfold boasts strong industries—ranging from exports and green technology to agriculture and maritime sectors—all of which thrive in stable, predictable environments. Therefore, the government stands firmly in support of the EEA agreement to secure access to vital markets. At the same time, we recognize that addressing climate change can be an opportunity for innovation rather than a source of uncertainty. Our investments in research, technology, and artificial intelligence are poised to boost productivity and create new job opportunities, even outside our largest cities.
Security for our future hinges on the well-being of our children and youth. In Vestfold, a disproportionate number of young people find themselves without work or educational opportunities. Through the Youth Promise initiative, we are dedicated to ensuring that those under 30 receive offers for employment, education, or support before feelings of alienation take root. Additionally, by enhancing our educational framework—focusing on practical lessons, improved literacy training, and limiting screen time—we aim to ensure that more students thrive early in their academic journeys.
We recognize that combating crime requires prompt, effective responses, alongside robust preventative measures that promote sports, volunteering, and strong community networks. True security flourishes when children and young people feel seen, included, and empowered to engage in their communities.
The government’s plan for Norway will be a living document, updated annually to meet the swift changes in our world while remaining true to our core objectives. For us in the Labor Party, this commitment reflects our aspiration to utilize public resources judiciously, secure a brighter future, and ensure that Vestfold remains a thriving place to live, work, and grow in the years ahead.
As we approach the holiday season, I extend my warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! A heartfelt thank you to those who continue to work tirelessly while the rest of us celebrate.