King’s speech: Private enterprises must create greater value

Prime Minister Erna Solberg presents trontalen to King HaraldOslo.Prime Minister Erna Solberg presents trontalen to King Harald.Photo : Fredrik Varfjell / NTB scanpix

To safeguard the Norwegian welfare state  private enterprises must create greater value, and the public sector must be reformed, said King Harald in the King’s speech at the opening of parliament on Monday.

– An immigrant labour force and more asylum seekers are creating new challenges, it was said in the speech, which was written by the government but performed by the King on behalf of the government.

He also pointed out  that the growth based on oil revenues had reversed, but that the greatest threat to the Norwegian welfare state is the lack of adaptability.

– The petroleum activities have given us a fair wind and the opportunity to build up a large public sector. We must now start to reform the public sector in order to manage solving old and new social responsibilities, the King said further.

Among the main tasks mentioned was in particular youth unemployment, unemployment in South Western Norway and the task to prevent  people dropping out of society.

– When many are doing well, it’s extra hard not to master your everyday life.

Regarding foreign policy,  the King underlined that the government would stick to their strong ties with friends and allies “that keeps democracy, human rights and free trade aloft”.

Meanwhile, the government will invite debate around strategic choices in foreign and security policy, and notified of a forthcoming statement on the issue.

 

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today

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