Norwegian PM Apologizes for Broken Ferry Promise

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has apologized for promising free ferry services during his election campaign. He made the pledge just days before his government decided to scrap the program in their budget proposal.

Støre admitted his response to a local newspaper was wrong. He told reporters he should have focused on affordable ferry prices instead of free services. The prime minister said he takes full responsibility for the mistake.

Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre also apologized for promoting the free ferry policy in a campaign video. He acknowledged they should have removed references to the program since budget discussions were already underway.

The apologies follow revelations that both officials continued making campaign promises about programs they knew would be cut. Government insiders confirmed the free ferry scheme was marked for removal five days before the national election.

Despite this knowledge, Støre's party published a Facebook video claiming their opponents would remove free ferges and student debt relief. The government's new budget actually eliminates both programs starting in January.

Why did ministers promote policies they planned to cut? Støre said the campaign pace was intense and he failed to connect video content with budget discussions. He insisted this wasn't done intentionally.

The prime minister's website previously contained a page about introducing free ferries. That page has now been removed according to party officials.

This situation highlights the challenge politicians face when campaign promises collide with budgetary realities. Voters in coastal communities who rely on ferry services now face higher transportation costs despite earlier assurances.