Norwegian Parliament Backs Private Kindergarten Pension Funding
Norway's parliament voted to restore pension funding for private kindergartens, reversing 2022 cuts that closed hundreds of facilities. The decision ensures equal treatment between private and municipal childcare providers starting in 2026. The move signals shifting political alliances as the Center Party collaborates with conservative parties.
Norway's parliament voted Tuesday to require the government to restore pension funding for private kindergartens. The proposal passed with 53 votes against 47.
The Center Party secured majority support from all conservative parties. They want the government to implement a broad kindergarten agreement reached before summer.
The new arrangement will cover documented pension costs for private kindergartens. This ensures equal treatment between municipal and private childcare providers.
Parliament instructed the government to create a permanent application system for private kindergarten pension expenses. The system will launch on January 1, 2026, with full state funding for municipal cost increases.
Private kindergartens must document their annual pension expenditures. Municipal coverage will be limited to equivalent public kindergarten costs.
In 2022, the government cut approximately 600 million kroner from private kindergarten pension subsidies. Officials claimed many private facilities received more funding than their actual pension costs required.
This reduction contributed to financial struggles in the sector. Four out of ten private kindergartens have operated at a loss for several years.
The spring agreement involved six political parties committing to restore pension support. Now the Center Party leads efforts to ensure government follow-through.
"I'm glad the Center Party has finally come to their senses," said the Progress Party's new education spokesperson. "The pension cuts affected the entire industry. They led to 248 kindergarten closures impacting children, staff and parents."
He emphasized this wasn't about left or right politics but about sustainable operating funds for important childcare services.
A Center Party representative denied this represented a policy reversal. "We want a system that covers pension funds. If we've changed position, that's behind us. This is no reversal."
He explained they're advancing the proposal because the Labor Party must honor the spring kindergarten agreement. "This ensures equal treatment of private and municipal kindergarten pension schemes."
When asked if this signals cooperation with conservative parties, he responded: "Many want to tie us to alliances with the Conservatives and Progress Party. We won't do that. But we share common interests on many issues."
The Labor Party's education spokesperson confirmed the government will follow parliament's decision. "We share the goal of facilitating equal pension conditions for private kindergarten employees."
She noted work continues on the final solution since the regulatory consultation period just ended.
The private kindergartens association welcomed the decision. "This is very important and sends a clear message that private kindergartens will have their actual pension costs covered from January 2026."
He said the majority recognizes the need to implement what parties agreed in the kindergarten agreement. "This is crucial for kindergartens needing healthy, sustainable operations. Equal treatment of staff matters greatly."
"Skilled, engaged private kindergarten employees deserve pension schemes equal to municipal staff. This matters for current workers and future recruitment needs."
Political observers note this represents one of the first examples of the Center Party cooperating with conservative parties since leaving government. The move suggests practical politics may override traditional alliances as parties navigate Norway's current political landscape.