Since he seriously made his entrance on the political scene in the United States around ten years ago, Donald Trump has shocked, shaken and partly entertained the world community with sensational outbursts. On Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) congratulated Trump on another election victory. But many have wondered what Trump’s return to the White House will mean for Norway, Europe and the world. Especially at a time when the world is considered to be more unstable and the wars in Gaza and Ukraine rage on. Støre: More responsibility for own security Støre is, however, clear that Norway’s security policy cooperation with the USA will be important in the future. – We have a good relationship between Norway and the USA. As far as the security policy in the north is concerned, we have established and are working to establish, says the Prime Minister to news. However, he is clear that Europe has to do a job when it comes to taking greater responsibility for its own security: – I think we have taken this on board in recent years, and will have to work on it more in the future. Støre also believes that there is no reason to fear that Trump will pull the US out of NATO. But he is clear about one thing: Trump is unpredictable. Thus, Norway must work for predictability and long-termism in the defense alliance. Erna Solberg, Jens Stoltenberg and Donald Trump together with other world leaders at the NATO summit in Great Britain in 2019. Photo: Francisco Seco / AP Solberg: Concerned about trade Conservative leader Erna Solberg says she is not surprised by the result. Like Støre, she emphasizes that Trump brings unpredictability, but that the US is still Norway’s most important ally. Nor is she worried about the consequences for NATO and emphasizes that Europe is well underway in stepping up investment in defence. – The most important thing we can do is look after Norwegian interests and ensure that we work as best we can so that Norwegian companies, Norwegian workplaces and our security are safeguarded regardless of who is president in the USA, Solberg tells news. Erna Solberg says it is important that international cooperation works. Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB She also points out that the last time Trump was president, the security cooperation with the USA was strengthened. – What is a bigger challenge is the unrest it can cause if there is more protectionism, if there are higher customs walls in the USA, says Solberg. She believes this could lead to more unrest in international trade, which could also affect Norway, a small, open economy. The right-wing leader also emphasizes that it is important that international cooperation and international organizations work. – It is clear that Donald Trump’s policy is not so much about that, says Solberg, and highlights the risk that Trump may again withdraw the USA from the international climate agreement, the Paris Agreement. Støre also says that international agreements and high customs walls can be a challenge. But he believes that it is not possible to conclude that actions during the election campaign necessarily become the administration’s policy. Listhaug: Did not hope for a Trump victory FRP leader Sylvi Listhaug says that the election result is not the result of the dream. – I had probably hoped that this election would have an outcome that was even more secure when it comes to NATO and the signals linked to NATO, she says. She also highlights the challenges associated with Trump’s unpredictability. FRP leader Sylvi Listhaug and leader of the Progress Party’s Youth, Simen Velle, on election vigil on the night of Wednesday. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB Listhaug emphasizes, however, that the choice of American voters must be respected, and that Norway must now ensure good cooperation with the new Trump administration, particularly in relation to NATO and security. – We are completely dependent on them. That must be the basis. Therefore, it is important for us to have a good relationship. It is important for the whole of Europe, she says. All three, Støre, Solberg and Listhaug, are also concerned that it is important that support for Ukraine is maintained and that Russia is not given the opportunity to achieve victories in the war. – It is important for Norway that Ukraine itself gets to decide how the war will end, says Listhaug. – That they do not lose is important for the whole of Europe. I hope that the USA sees that it is also important to them, and that Russia is not allowed to settle and annex neighboring countries. It could potentially threaten NATO members and become a challenge for the United States as well. This is what the other party leaders say about Trump’s election victory: – The election of Trump is important for Europe’s security. It should have consequences for Norwegian support for Ukraine, and for our relationship with Europe, says Venstre leader Guri Melby to news. – This is a dark day for the world and Norway, but also a day for rethinking. Støre and all Norwegian party leaders must now realize that Trump is a destabilizing and unpredictable factor in a troubled world, says MDG leader Arild Hermstad. – There is a deep seriousness about Trump’s victory. He represents an authoritarian threat not only to the Americans. This can strengthen authoritarian forces on the far right in other countries as well, says SV leader Kirsti Bergstø. – I believe it is time to discuss a more US-independent foreign policy in Norway. We cannot close our eyes to the fact that what is happening in the USA is very worrying, says Rødt leader Marie Sneve Martinussen. – I am worried about the result of the American election. Trump is unpredictable. At the same time, during his previous term, Norway was able to have a good cooperation with the USA also then, and we shall be able to do that this time as well, says KrF leader Dag Inge Ulstein. Published 06.11.2024, at 09.23 Updated 06.11.2024, at 10.55
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Trump back in the White House – this worries Norwegian politicians – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
