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Stenseng Responds to Criticism After Nav CEO’s Dismissal
Labor Minister Kjersti Stenseng (Ap) has found herself in the spotlight following her decision to terminate the contract of Nav CEO Hans Christian Holte, a move that has elicited both attention and criticism.
In a statement to E24, Stenseng remarked, “It’s perfectly reasonable for people to have opinions about Nav and the circumstances surrounding the departure.”
Oil fund manager Nicolay Tangen weighed in during a lecture at the NHO’s annual conference, referring to the difficult lessons learned from dismissing underperforming managers. “When a colleague makes a mistake, don’t be an asshole,” he advised.
When pressed by E24 about whether she feels regret over her decision, Stenseng was candid. “I don’t feel like an asshole, but if some people think so, I’m quite comfortable with that.”
Prime Minister Støre Engages in Dialogue with EU Chief
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) took the opportunity to voice Norway’s concerns during a lengthy phone call on Wednesday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as reported by Aftenposten.
The discussion centered on newly introduced EU protection measures against the import of iron alloys—an initiative Støre strongly opposes. “I reached out today to express our disagreement with this decision, which has raised significant unrest among the affected companies,” he stated. “Moreover, it begs the question of whether this undermines the safety and security guaranteed by the EEA Agreement.”
The European Union contends that World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations prohibit exempting Norway from these protective measures, a position Norway categorically disputes, arguing that the EEA Agreement permits it.
Stoltenberg Clarifies EU’s Minimum Price Concept
Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg (Ap) addressed the newly introduced EU protective measures affecting Norway, emphasizing the distinction between a minimum price and a customs duty. “We’re talking about a minimum price, which is preferable to a customs duty,” he explained during his remarks at the Cartel conference for LO Stat on Wednesday.
Stoltenberg elaborated on the financial implications: “Customs are essentially a tax on goods crossing a border, while a minimum price benefits the selling company rather than the state.” He acknowledged, however, the potential downside: “Though the minimum price might increase earnings per tonne sold, there’s a risk we could end up selling fewer tonnes due to a reduced quota.”
The Liberals Propose Aid Increase Amid Discontent with Government Budget Cuts
The Liberal Party has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government’s aid budget, proposing an additional NOK 1.7 billion in their alternative budget plan. Financial spokesperson Abid Raja criticized the government’s approach, asserting, “The proposed budget fails the world’s poorest people, and the Liberal Party will never stand for that.”
Raja pointed out that, disturbingly, Ukraine now accounts for a quarter of the aid budget, leaving diminishing resources for poverty alleviation. “I believe the Norwegian populace is inclined to do more for those in need than what is currently being offered,” he remarked.
According to Norad, the proportion of aid dedicated to the poorest nations has dropped significantly, from 56% in 2020 to a projected 31% in 2024.
NHO Urges Swift Action on Tax Reform
NHO chief Ole Erik Almlid is pressing the government for a faster tax reform process to stem the tide of Norwegian capital and talent migrating to Switzerland. “We are witnessing clear examples of Norwegian resources relocating abroad,” Almlid remarked in an email to Dagens Næringsliv. “This cannot continue.”
He emphasized that the situation necessitates immediate action and a commitment to a more competitive tax environment, calling specifically for substantial reductions in owner taxation.
Control Committee to Probe Tax Agency Oversight
The National Audit Office has delivered a damning critique of the Tax Agency, citing inadequate oversight of the state’s VAT revenues. This issue has now caught the attention of the control committee in Stortinget.
Committee leader Per-Willy Amundsen (Frp) stated to Klassekampen, “The findings warrant serious scrutiny.” He described the report as indicative of systemic failures and stressed that the existing tax rules must be effectively implemented.
While he refrained from preempting the committee’s deliberations, Amundsen assured that they would undertake a thorough examination of the findings.
The National Audit Office’s recent report revealed significant deficiencies in the Tax Agency’s adherence to laws designed to prevent and detect financial crime associated with VAT. Their assessment classified the identified shortcomings as deserving of criticism, which is the second-highest level of censure.
Previously, Tax Director Nina Schanke Funnemark acknowledged the National Audit Office’s critique, conceding that the current level of VAT oversight is inadequate.
Protests Erupt Outside Oslo City Hall Over School Plan
In a display of community discontent, hundreds gathered outside Oslo City Hall on Wednesday afternoon, protesting against a controversial proposal to close or modify several schools in the city as part of budget-saving measures.
City councilors faced a cacophony of disapproval—met with a literal “pipe concert” as they addressed students, parents, and educators from affected schools. Education councilor Julie Remen Midtgarden (H) attempted to make her case but was repeatedly drowned out by the protests.
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