Our focal areas

ENOUGH road tolls

Road tolls have given politicians a creative means to fund major investments, but without anyone taking responsibility for the total burden on individuals.

Road tolls are antisocial because people with low and average incomes are hit hardest and it limits their freedom of action. Moreover, this source of financing is not sustainable because achieving the goal of less car traffic also reduces the revenue generated. To make up for the shortfall, rates are increased again and again. Folkets Parti seeks to first remove the outer toll ring in Bergen, followed by the remaining road tolls. We are categorically opposed to road pricing.

Folkets Parti wants to continue and strengthen the government infrastructure fund that was established in 2013. The purpose of the fund is to ensure the long-term and predictable financing of infrastructure. The yield on this fund is used to finance new roads without road tolls, as well as contribute to the elimination of road tolls on existing roads. We oppose the financing of public transport by motorists.

ENOUGH light rail

Folkets Parti says ENOUGH to light rail development.

The people of Bergen cannot afford the further development of the light rail system, financed to a significant degree by road tolls. Government funding is insufficient and the proposed solution for Åsane is costly and destructive for the city centre. Further light rail development locks up capital for both the development and operation of other public transport solutions, as a result of which both the city of Bergen and Vestland county lose opportunities to improve public transport in other areas.

Folkets Parti wants to preserve the city centre for people and events and opposes the development of the light rail system across Bryggen.

ENOUGH high electric bills

Electric bills are hurting people’s pocketbooks and increasing differences among people. Many companies are suffering and jobs are being lost – also in Bergen. Norway’s electricity needs should be met before we export any excess energy. There should be Norwegian rates for local consumption and market prices for electricity that is exported. Folkets Parti supports a maximum electricity price.Electricity is part of the critical infrastructure that should be affordable to everyone.

ENOUGH symbolic politics

Folkets Parti wants climate initiatives that are measurable and cost-effective. We seek to eliminate symbolic politics from the climate debate. That is why we oppose fossil fuel-free zones in the centre of Bergen. Moving fossil traffic from one street to another has zero climate impact. The closure of the road along Bryggen only led to more traffic on other streets and no positive climate impact. These types of initiatives are extremely costly. We need to put an end to wasteful climate initiatives and we believe that climate efforts should focus on protective measures against landslides, flooding and vulnerable infrastructure.

East Ring Road first

Folkets Parti believes that the East Ring Road is the most important environmental initiative for Bergen and the city centre. A toll-free road for the Fjøsanger - Arna - VågsbotnNordhordland Bridge route will reduce traffic over Danmarksplass and through the city centre. This will also give Bergen a sorely needed alternative when traffic problems arise in the Fløyfjell tunnel.

Affordable housing

Folkets Parti endorses the release of land in Bergen to build affordable homes. We believe that affordable housing includes building single-family homes, semi-detached homes and flats.

A focus on densification along the light rail line leads to conflict and expensive housing and must be replaced by a housing policy that addresses the needs and desires of people with an average income.

Increased support for volunteer involvement

Volunteer efforts in sports, culture and humanitarian work must be encouraged through increased financial support and the possibility of exemptions for transport and parking fees. Everyone should be able to use municipal sports facilities and public areas at a reasonable cost. Folkets Parti wants more cultural initiatives in city neighbourhoods. Less public ownership can free up funding for prevention programmes for young people or activities for the elderly.