– A climate political action rule will make it clearer what we should be measured against, year by year, writes Tajik in his new book “Dreams for my daughter”. The book’s great inspiration is her daughter, Sofia, who will soon turn three. – One of the reasons why I have written this book is the consideration for the next generations, says Tajik. In this interview, she takes issue with Norwegian climate policy. She states that it is unlikely that the climate targets will be met, and says the Storting must never create an oil tax package again. In addition, she answers a number of questions about her own future in the party of which she was deputy leader until last year. This is Tajik’s proposal for a climate policy rule of action. This means that the authorities impose a legal obligation on themselves to meet the cuts set out in the reference path. Every year, a statement must be submitted that explains how Norway stands in relation to the reference path. To ensure the quality of the assessments, an independent professional climate council is established, which either reports to the government or the Storting. (Source: Hadia Tajik’s new book, “Dreams for my daughter”) Takes self-criticism In the book, she concludes as the party leaders, with the exception of Ap leader Jonas Gahr Støre, did during the party leadership debate in Arendal: Norway is not on track to reach the climate goals. – We have now spent almost 30 years cutting approximately 5 per cent of climate emissions. Until 2030, we have seven years to cut what is then more than 50 percent. Everyone understands that it is a calculation that does not add up, says Tajik. She says it is still possible to reach the target of a CO2 cut of at least 50 per cent and up to 55 per cent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. – But to the question of whether it is likely, I answer no, she says. ANOTHER DANCE: Hadia Tajik did something completely different than just debating this autumn: – Really, really fun, she says about participating in “Shall we dance”. Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB In the book, she writes that the climate goals appear to be wishful dreams with diffuse obligations. – When you see that the ambitions are greater than the measures you are willing to introduce to achieve the goals, this ends up being pure wishful thinking, says Tajik. – But you have more than 14 years’ experience in the Storting and served in several governments. Why is this realization only coming now? – In this book, I have an introspective look. I am critical of myself, of my own party and of other parties. – Are there any decisions you have been involved in that you regret? – I have probably been involved in decisions that have not contributed sufficiently to take us in the direction that I believe is necessary, she replies. – Never again When the price of oil plummeted during the corona pandemic and threatened jobs in, among other things, the supplier industry, the Storting in June 2020 adopted a generous oil tax package that should stimulate new activity. Such a package must not be made again, says Tajik. Which does not mean that she regrets that she voted for the crisis aid. – The oil tax package illustrates that we have a petroleum industry that is “too big to fail”. This means that when you experience sudden price drops or market changes of this type, there are a great many jobs at stake. It is quite a big financial risk for our country to bear, she says. – We have to have a discussion about how we can avoid it happening again, concludes Tajik. She wants to introduce a new and statutory rule of action in Norwegian climate policy. – I propose that we set up a reference path for emissions up to 2050. The reference path is enshrined in the Climate Act, she says. The point of the reference path is to order the authorities to cut CO2 emissions at a certain pace – which will ensure that the climate targets are met. Facts about Hadia Tajik Born 18 July 1983 in Bjørheimsbygd in Strand municipality in Rogaland. Political adviser in the Ministry of Employment and Inclusion 2006-2009, with interruptions as acting political adviser in the Ministry of Justice 2008-2009 and at the Prime Minister’s office in 2008. Minister of Culture 2012-2013. Storting representative for Rogaland since 2017, and before that for Oslo 2009–2017. First deputy chairman of the finance committee 2019–2021. Was appointed Minister of Employment and Inclusion in the Støre government on 14 October 2021. Resigned from the ministerial post on Wednesday 2 March 2022 after several critical cases regarding the use of commuter accommodation. One of two deputy leaders in the Labor Party from 2015. Served as sole deputy leader in the period 2018–2019. On 6 March 2022, the central board of Ap announced that she resigned from her position as deputy leader. (Source: news/NTB) – The self-proclaimed Climate Act, which was adopted in 2017, confirms the Norwegian emission targets for 2030 and 2050. Every year, the government is obliged to give a status to the Storting in what is called the “green book” in the national budget. But this is not enough, says Tajik. She calls for a more honest debate about Norwegian climate targets. – Today, the debate is characterized by political bragging and politically motivated criticism. It can be difficult to navigate what is actually true. To make this job easier for voters, Tajik will have a professional and independent climate council. – Then you can have a more honest discussion about whether the measures are strong enough to achieve the goals, says the Ap representative and refers to experiences from Denmark and Great Britain. The proposal for a climate policy action rule is not new. Already in 2011, Energi Norge launched its idea of how this should be done. During the election campaign two years later, then SV leader Audun Lysbakken picked up the ball. In the shadows As recently as last year, Hadia Tajik was deputy leader of the Labor Party and one of the government’s most high-profile ministers. But then she was overtaken by the commuter housing case. In March 2022, she resigned first as Minister for Employment and Inclusion and soon afterwards also as Deputy Leader. A provisional period had been set for a lightning political career that many thought would end at the very top – as future party leader and candidate for prime minister. Instead, she returned to the Storting. This is Tajik’s proposal for a climate policy rule of action. A reference path is set up for the Norwegian emissions up to 2050. The reference path is enshrined in the Climate Act. This means that the authorities impose a legal obligation on themselves to meet the cuts set out in the reference path. Every year, a statement must be submitted that explains how Norway stands in relation to the reference path. To ensure the quality of the assessments, an independent professional climate council is established, which either reports to the government or the Storting. (Source: Hadia Tajik’s new book, “Dreams for my daughter”) At first she met in the energy and environment committee, but after the government changes this autumn, she has now taken a seat as deputy chair of the justice committee. – It is a field that I know well, says Tajik, who is also trained as a lawyer. – Did you ask to be placed on the justice committee? – So, I am not going to comment on the processes that have been at the forefront of these changes, other than to say that I am happy to work in this field. – What do you think of the election result for the Labor Party? – One of the privileges you have, when you are no longer in the party leadership, is that you do not have to be a regular commentator on the election results. Therefore, I refrain from doing so now. – But do you have any explanation as to why Ap declined so sharply? – I am not going to comment on it now, but if you have more questions about my book, I will be more than happy to answer them. RESIGNATION: Commuter housing crisis cost Hadia Tajik her job as Minister of Labor and Inclusion. Photo: Håkon Mosvold Larsen / NTB Run the race? At the AP national meeting this spring, there was no comeback for Hadia Tajik in the central board, but at the national meeting party many people noticed the tribute from the party leader. Jonas Gahr Støre described her as one of the most energetic ministers Ap has had and said something that suggested an imminent return to government: – It ain’t over yet, said Støre. But when the big government reshuffle came in the autumn, he couldn’t find a place for Tajik. Instead, he made two other Rogalanders ministers, Kari Nessa Nordtun and Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, both of whom are apparently younger than Tajik. CHANGES: AP’s leadership after the national meeting in 2019. Now both Bjørnar Skjæran and Hadia Tajik are gone. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB – There is hardly room for three Labor ministers from Rogaland in the government? Is the race over for you now? – The two Rogalanders we have in the government are capable people, who everyone in Rogaland is very proud to have taken up these positions. I am sure that they will do a brilliant job both for Norway and for their home county. And then it is the prime minister’s prerogative to assemble the government, as he wishes. – Do you want to become a minister again? – I am not going to comment on that type of thing now, but if you have more questions about my book, I will be more than happy to answer them. – What about the general election in two years? Have you decided whether you want re-election or not? – The nomination work has not even started. It is not natural for me to take a position on this now. – Is Jonas Gahr Støre the right person to lead the Labor Party? – He is our party leader, and I give him my support.
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– A calculation that does not add up – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
