Time to take Finnmark back
Finnmark cannot be populated via staffing agency. We need people living here, working here and building the future here – not loosers and consulting communities directed from offices in the capital. We know this. The question is: When will the government stop turning its back on Finnmark?
Fish caught in our oceans will also be processed in our communities. Period. The fact that billion values are still being shipped out of the region while we are left with relocation and closed industry is a political betrayal – not « structural change ». We are not talking about adaptation. We are talking about an economic robbery in open daylight.
In Karasjok, reindeer calves are taken by bears and eagles in droves. The state lets it happen. Had this been in Nordmarka, the Minister of the Environment would have been in front of the camera with immediate measures. But in Finnmark it is only « natural loss ». Sami reindeer husbandry holders are ignored. Enough is enough.
We require real regional power. Finnmark should not be an underuse of directorates and ministries in the south. We want control over our own resources – fish, power, country, health and investments. We do not want to stand with the hat in hand and wait for someone from the south to « prioritize us ».
We are still fully behind proposals as Finnmark tax – the same tax terms as in Svalbard. Lower taxes for employees, zero employer’s contributions and stronger incentives to invest in the north. We did not have a breakthrough for this in government, but that will be a main focus in the next period. We don’t give up on it.
While Ap talks warmly about the northern areas in party speeches, they refuse concrete measures. They dare not address the tough questions – such as tax policy, capital access and real decentralization. It is not responsible – it is paralysis.
Prime Minister Støre says Finnmark is important. But where are the measures? Where is the money? Where is the policy? Are we only important when drinking champagne at Northern Territory conferences?
We have finished being symbols. We have finished being apartments in our own county. Now we want power. Now we want opportunities. Now we want back control of Finnmark.
The Finnmark Center Party stands in front for a new north – with local governance, fair distribution and viable communities.
Geir Iversen
1. Candidate for the Storting
Finnmark Center Party
Submit your debate post to [email protected] and mark the post with debate
