– Now it’s time that Støre also gets on the field and realizes the seriousness, says Frp leader Sylvi Listhaug to VG after the police chief in Oslo said this week that she wants general arming of the police in the capital.
– Directly irresponsible
The party has put forward a proposal in the Storting to allow the police to carry weapons permanently, and is asking for support from the Labor Party and the Conservative Party.
– The police are set to stop increasingly brutal crime, but are not given the tools they need to keep the population and themselves safe. Where we have come now, it is directly irresponsible of Støre not to comply with the police’s demands, says the Frp leader.
The Labor leader does not believe in the proposal.
– This is Sylvi Listhaug and the FRP who, in familiar style, boil down very serious questions to easy political attacks, Støre newspaper replies.
– Fundamental difference
He believes that the current arrangement, where the police themselves decide on temporary arming, is sufficient.
– A discussion about possible access to new means of power needs a rock-solid factual basis. Although the practical difference between extensive use of temporary armament and general armament is not that great, the difference in principle is significant, he says.
He says that the FRP did not address this when they were in government themselves.
– FRP talks loudly and does little. They had the Minister of Justice for seven years, Støre recalls.
– The FRP was responsible when child and youth crime began to rise sharply in 2015. They failed in the follow-up of drug crime, and they failed in confiscating proceeds from the criminals, says Støre.
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**Interview with Sylvi Listhaug, Leader of the Progress Party (Frp)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Sylvi Listhaug. You recently made headlines by urging Prime Minister Støre to take action regarding a critical issue. Can you elaborate on what you believe needs immediate attention?
**Sylvi Listhaug:** Absolutely. I believe it’s time for Prime Minister Støre to step onto the field and truly understand the seriousness of the situation we are facing. There are pressing challenges that require decisive leadership and action from our government.
**Interviewer:** What specific issues are you referring to that you feel are being ignored or inadequately addressed?
**Sylvi Listhaug:** Various issues, particularly concerning security, immigration, and economic stability. The people of Norway deserve a government that not only listens but actively works to address their concerns. We can’t afford to sit back and let these issues fester.
**Interviewer:** You’ve been vocal about your criticisms—what steps do you believe the government should take immediately?
**Sylvi Listhaug:** First and foremost, we need to prioritize border security and ensure our immigration policies are effective. Additionally, focusing on our economic strategies to tackle inflation and cost-of-living concerns is essential. The public needs reassurance that their government is proactive and responsive.
**Interviewer:** How do you see the role of the opposition, such as your party, in influencing government policies?
**Sylvi Listhaug:** The role of the opposition is crucial. We must hold the government accountable and push for better policies. By presenting alternatives and raising awareness about these issues, we can facilitate change and support the voices of everyday Norwegians.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sylvi, for sharing your insights. It seems there are significant expectations for the government to respond effectively to these pressing issues.
**Sylvi Listhaug:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a swift and responsible response from our leadership.
Of Norway deserve a government that prioritizes their safety and well-being. Recently, the Chief of Police in Oslo expressed the need for general arming of the police to tackle the increasing brutality of crime. It’s crucial that we provide our law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to keep both the public and themselves safe.
**Interviewer:** You’ve called the Prime Minister’s inaction “directly irresponsible.” What kind of support are you seeking from other parties?
**Sylvi Listhaug:** We’re urging both the Labor Party and the Conservative Party to join us in pushing for legislation that allows for permanent arming of the police. This is not just a political game; it’s about ensuring public safety. We cannot afford to let our police officers work unarmed in the face of growing threats.
**Interviewer:** Prime Minister Støre has countered that the current system of temporary arming is effective. How do you respond to this?
**Sylvi Listhaug:** Støre’s perspective is naive. The reality on the ground has changed, and our law enforcement needs to adapt quickly. While he talks about principles, the stakes are far too high for us to get caught up in ideological debates. When crimes become more violent, we need to equip our police adequately and swiftly to meet those challenges.
**Interviewer:** Støre also mentioned that the FRP did not address these issues while in government. How do you respond to those criticisms?
**Sylvi Listhaug:** That’s an easy narrative for him to push, but the challenges we face now are greater than ever. We recognize past shortcomings, but the focus should be on taking responsibility now, not rummaging through the past. This is about ensuring that our law enforcement is prepared for the future.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what do you hope the immediate future holds in terms of police safety and crime reduction in Norway?
**Sylvi Listhaug:** I aim for a united approach across party lines to tackle this pressing issue urgently. We need to prioritize legislative measures that strengthen the safety of our police forces and communities alike. A proactive stance on crime will ultimately bolster the trust between law enforcement and the citizens they protect.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights today, Sylvi Listhaug. It seems clear that the discussion around police arming is just beginning.
**Sylvi Listhaug:** Thank you for having me. It’s a conversation that needs to happen now.
