– It is very difficult for us students. We don’t feel heard, and we don’t feel supported, says Hedda Marie Nordgård, who is a student in Tromsø. On Saturday, Nordgård told about the situation for her and other students in news’s program Helgemorgen. The high price increase for food, electricity and fuel does not appear to be abating for the time being. Another price jump in groceries has been announced on 1 February. It will then be 10 per cent more expensive, even though prices have already increased by 11.5 per cent in the past year. – I get very stressed. It creates a lot of uncertainty and unpredictability. You never know what is in store for us students in the next year. We are very tight, and it will get tighter, she says. Medicines or food? Hedda Marie Nordgård says that students are often very dependent on their parents. Those who do not have the opportunity to get help from their parents must have a job. – I opt out of a lot of social activities to make sure I have food on the table. I have also experienced having to opt out of buying medicines that my body needs, as well as doctor’s appointments, to make sure that I get food, she says. Nordgård says that the monthly stipend of NOK 8,615 is not even enough for the estate fees. In addition, electricity, food and fuel are included. She also points out that medication is expensive. – The worst thing about this is not being able to take care of my health to be sure of having food on the table. – 2023 will be tough Fiscal policy spokesperson in the Center Party, Geir Pollestad, says it makes a strong impression to hear what Nordgård tells. – This underlines the reality. We have to meet that with politics and political instruments that can remedy that, he says. Geir Pollestad (Sp) and the government give students NOK 3,600 more a year. Photo: Ole Andreas Bø / news The state budget includes an increase in student aid of NOK 3,600 a year, starting in the autumn. – That is probably a poor consolation. We are taking measures, but we must also work on more long-term measures. Such as, for example, reducing housing costs for students, says Pollestad. – We probably have to be prepared for 2023 to be a tough year, and then we politicians must stand up as best we can. Member of the finance committee, Marie Sneve Martinussen from Rødt, believes something must be done. – It is quite obvious that what helps those with a low income is to get more money, she says. Marie Sneve Martinussen (R) believes it is possible to give students NOK 12,000 more a year. Photo: Vegar Erstad / news – Need to redistribute more Marthinussen points to Rødt proposing that students, disabled people and minimum pensioners who have a low income should get 12,000 more a year. – We believe it is possible to do that without increasing the use of oil money, she says. – At the same time as Hedda, the disabled and many others are struggling with increased prices, we have approximately 10 per cent of the inhabitants at the top, who have run away a long time ago with salaries of well over a million. We believe that here there is a lot of room to redistribute more, says Martinussen. Hedda Marie Nordgård agrees with Martinussen that those who have little money simply need more. – One thousand is an absolutely better solution than what the government has come up with, which is NOK 300 a month. NOK 300 might cover a couple of dinners if you are very good, she says.
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Student Hedda sometimes has to choose between medicine and food – news Troms and Finnmark
