TM King Harald V, Queen Sonja, and their son HRH Crown Prince Haakon attended the annual opening of Stortinget today. The King made his annual speech from the throne, starting out with the horrible tragedy from the last year, and his pride in the country’s response:
“The Norwegian people responded to defend the democracy. Out of the pain grew a strong popular desire for unity, openness and participation.”
“A whole world has shown compassion for those affected. People all over the world have expressed their admiration for the dignity of the Norwegian people faced with terrorist acts.”
The King then talked about the actions that the citizens have taken out of tragedy and what the government will need to take in the coming session:
"We must therefore continue to mobilize the community. As individuals, participants in voluntary organizations and governments at various levels, we must help to heal wounds and restore confidence."
"[In the] short term there will be a need for measures to strengthen our security and emergency preparedness. Government will balance the need for appropriate security and safe emergency response to a common desire for continued closeness between the Norwegian people and key actors in society."
The King also set out some high level goals for the government:
- Norway should have the lowest unemployment in Europe and increase value creation in the country
- We shall defend, renew and improve one of the world’s best welfare societies
- We should take the lead in the global fight against climate change
Once King Harald declared Parliament open, a member followed him giving the State of the Union. This is the 156th opening of Stortinget in Oslo.
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Sources: Kongehuset.no
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