"FrP Leader Sylvi Listhaug Unimpressed with PM Jonas Gahr Støre‘s New Year Speech"
Progress Party (FrP) leader Sylvi Listhaug has expressed her disappointment with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre’s New Year’s address, criticizing his failure to discuss policy changes that could alleviate the financial burden on Norwegians.
"[I] had hoped the Prime Minister could provide more substance than empty words in his New Year’s speech," Listhaug said in an email distributed by her press secretary. "With the current economic situation, Norway has the opportunity to reduce VAT, fuel taxes, and lower both personal and corporate taxes, but unfortunately, this was not addressed."
Støre’s speech focused on topics such as foreign policy, education, and societal divisions. Listhaug, however, emphasized the need for attention on electricity prices in Norway.
"Støre chose not to mention soaring electricity prices that have been out of control and hit people severely unevenly," Listhaug said. "FrP believes no one should pay more than 50 øre per kWh, and any amount above should be refunded, giving people greater economic freedom."
While Støre promised better financial conditions for Norwegians by 2025, Listhaug argued that the Prime Minister doesn’t need to wait and can immediately implement tax cuts and deductions proposed by FrP to bolster economic confidence.
"[I] hope people will soon see decreases in interest rates and better economic times," Listhaug said. "But PM Støre doesn’t have to wait for this, he can already reduce taxes and fees as suggested by FrP."