Press Release

The Ministry of National Planning and Coordination Press Release 14/97

The Government's Long-term Programme

The Elderly and Health first

In its Long-term Programme for 1998-2001, the Norwegian Government points to improvement in care for the elderly and the health services as its major efforts over the next four years. Other targets mentioned are full kindergarten coverage, a reform in adult education in connection with collective wage settlements, and in due course a boost in the cultural field. Economic policy will be aimed at balanced growth which takes environmental and ecological concerns into account and secures full employment.

Elderly persons in need of nursing will be offered various kinds of accommodation. Nursing homes will provide single rooms to all those who prefer them. High priority is also being given to an efficient health service with the focus on the patient. Less time will be spent waiting for hospital treatment. Everyone will have access to a regular physician in his or her municipality of residence.

Retaining the solidarity alternative

"The solidarity alternative with its low wage and cost growth is one of the premises on which the Government is basing its Long-term Programme," says Minister of National Planning, Bendik Rugaas. "It is a prerequisite for full employment, which in turn is essential to secure the welfare schemes. There is a consistency in our efforts to achieve high participation in employment: full kindergarten coverage, flexible working hour arrangements, and measures to encourage elderly people to remain in working live," Rugaas says.

Education, competence, and increased efficiency

Norway's high oil revenues give the country a unique opportunity to provide its citizens with lasting welfare. The Government will give welfare schemes strong legs to stand on in the form of education and competence. But to prevent the good times from being undermined by cost inflation, public sector priorities and efficiency will have to satisfy exacting standards. The Government will accordingly not increase public expenditure beyond what is sustainable in the long term. This will apply not least when oil and gas revenues begin to decline, and when an ageing population leads to higher health and social security costs and a relatively smaller workforce.

A climate agreement - demanding, but necessary

The Government will seek a binding international climate agreement. Following up such an agreement will call for adjustments, but will be absolutely essential in order to preserve the environment for coming generations. Energy policy will focus on energy economy and hydropower, bio-energy and other renewable sources of energy.

Step by step reforms

In addition to laying down the main political guidelines for the coming Storting term, the Long-term Programme looks ahead to the year 2005. Reforms announced by the Government will be designed to keep pace with growth in the mainland economy. Taxes and duties will gradually be directed less at the workforce and more at environmentally harmful activities. The Government aims to maintain existing settlement patterns in their general outline, and to develop and strengthen adaptable and competitive industries in every part of the country. Among the means of achieving this will be the introduction of new information technology, building up strong competence centres, and improving transport and communications.