SSB researcher believes Solberg’s “free kindergarten” promise may have unwanted consequences

Prime Minister Erna Solberg’s election promise of free kindergarten for the third child could have unfortunate consequences, according to fertility researcher Astri Syse at Statistics Norway (SSB).

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Erna Solberg (H) promised that if the Conservatives stayed in power after the election, families who have three children in kindergarten at the same time would not have to pay for the third child.

According to figures from the SSB, 5,100 Norwegian families have three children under the age of six. Syse is afraid that the financial temptations may have unfortunate consequences.

“It could make someone think short-term,” the researcher told P4.

Syse also believes that having three children of kindergarten age at the same time can take a toll on women’s careers.

The Conservative Party’s leader in the family and culture committee in the Storting believes that no families will abuse the financial benefit.

“Such a statement that can be said about all financial measures for families in Norway,” she noted.

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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