– Did Ap forgot their promises?
In the municipal proposal that the government has recently presented, there will be a wording that should get the warning lights to flash with anyone who is concerned with living communities and proximity to the services:
“The government is positive to municipalities that want to merge with one or more neighboring municipalities to solve the challenges the municipal sector is facing. It is important that the municipalities themselves are in the driver’s seat for the necessary restructuring that must take place, and larger municipalities will for many be a good grip (…) »
These are tones we recognize – but not from the Labor Party. This is Høyre’s language suit, with its « robust municipalities » and the belief that larger units are always better.
The Labor Party has previously stood with the Center Party in the opposition to coercive mergers. We went to the choice to reverse them – and we did. But now we see that Ap is gradually approaching Høyre’s line.
Although there is still voluntary talk, it is clear that the government is now highlighting larger municipalities as a solution in themselves – not as a possible tool among many.
The Center Party believes that size does not automatically provide better services. There is proximity to people, local knowledge and confidence in those living in the villages who provide robust communities – not centralization and structural changes.
When the government again begins to talk warmly about « restructuring » and « larger municipalities », we have to ask: What happened to the promises of decentralization? Is Ap on its way away from the national government and back to Høyre’s structural policy?
The Center Party is going to stand firm. We say no to a new round of municipal mergers that weaken local democracy. We believe in many and vibrant communities – not fewer and larger municipalities.
