– I think everyone must admit that we were quite pleasantly surprised by the framework that the government is setting up, NOK 600 billion, says Limi, who is also the party’s fiscal policy spokesperson.
– There are obviously some weaknesses in what the government is proposing, and we will point that out, but the most important thing is to get a commitment regarding the funding, he continues.
Limi believes that the government has so far been vague on precisely the funding and says the FRP is willing to use oil money if necessary to ensure that the Armed Forces get what is needed.
Big lift
The Government has sent a proposal to the Storting which involves a massive boost for the Armed Forces, both in terms of equipment and personnel. The Storting will consider the matter before the summer.
The party’s national meeting adopted a statement on Sunday with an order to the Storting group to secure binding funding for the entire planning period, with an emphasis on the first four years. The Youth Party wanted to delete a sentence regarding using oil money, if necessary, but did not get the national meeting to agree.
The resolution also calls for the purchase of an additional submarine, two NASAMS systems, a long-range air defense system and an additional task force in the Home Guard, and to strengthen the drone capacity.
Defense and security have long been an important FRP issue and were also on the agenda at the national meeting in Gardermoen at the weekend. But in a time characterized by the fear of an aggressive Russia, and broad agreement that the Armed Forces must be equipped, there will perhaps be less room for political coinage on defense policy.
– We will have our demands included in the negotiations, but the most important thing is to get a commitment regarding the financing, repeats Limi.
– If we manage to do that, the Armed Forces will not become such a political struggle. We have then established a broad political consensus that we just have to implement this, he says.
The Progressive Party has particularly pointed to the need for an anti-aircraft battery to protect the capital, which the government has not included in its proposal.
Ukraine settlement
Limi says they are prepared to contribute constructively to the negotiations. He refers to the Nansen programme, which all parties support, and which means NOK 75 billion in civil and military support for Ukraine over five years.
– Even if it were to happen that there is a different majority at the election next year and a change of government, that obligation is on hold. And that’s the same thing we have to achieve for the Armed Forces, says Limi.
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2024-04-22 06:49:58
