Norway's Socialist Left Party presented its alternative state budget on Thursday. The party demands 16.5 billion kroner more for welfare services than the government proposed. This marks the third opposition budget revealed before Friday's negotiations with the government.
Negotiation leader Marthe Hammer stated at a parliamentary press conference that their proposals would put more money in ordinary people's pockets. The party calculated precise benefits for Norwegian families. Their plan would give families with children 68,633 kroner more annually through tax reductions, increased child benefits, and expanded welfare programs.
Hammer described municipal economies in crisis and pointed to staffing shortages across public services. The party wants to allocate 9 billion kroner to county and municipal sectors. They also propose reducing oil fund spending by 242 million kroner.
A substantial 17 billion kroner package targets green transition initiatives. The party insists on maintaining Norway's 1 percent foreign aid commitment. When journalists asked which promises mattered most in upcoming negotiations, Hammer declined to specify details. She acknowledged the need for prioritization while emphasizing their clear communication about important issues.
The budget includes free dental braces for all children and major dental cost reductions for elderly citizens. It proposes free after-school programs through fourth grade to complete educational reforms. The party aims to finish both after-school program reforms and dental health reforms.
Environmental policies form another key component. The Socialist Left Party claims Norway remains far from climate targets but argues their parliamentary support brought the previous government closer to environmental goals. They want to stop seabed mining during the current parliamentary period and halt the 26th licensing round for oil exploration.
Hammer emphasized stopping actual greenhouse gas emissions as their primary environmental objective. The party's comprehensive budget proposal reflects traditional socialist priorities of wealth redistribution and public service investment. Their demands exceed government proposals substantially, suggesting tough negotiations ahead.
Norwegian budget negotiations typically involve compromises between governing and supporting parties. The Socialist Left Party's detailed calculations demonstrate serious preparation for these talks. Their focus on concrete financial benefits for families distinguishes their approach from broader political statements.
The proposed welfare expansions would significantly impact Norwegian household economies if implemented. Meanwhile, the green transition package represents one of the larger environmental investment proposals in recent Norwegian politics. These competing priorities will test negotiation skills as parties balance immediate family needs against long-term environmental sustainability.