Western Norway business leaders accuse Sylvi Listhaug of betraying the industry

Leaders of the business community on Norway’s west coast have publicly criticized Sylvi Listhaug and the Fremskrittspartiet for opposing large subsidies for offshore wind. Harald Minge, who runs the Stavanger business association, told VG that the party’s stance could have serious repercussions for the whole region. Jan Narvestad, chief executive of ship-yard group Worley Rosenberg, warned of a double loss: diminished economic output and the risk of thousands of workers becoming unemployed.

They contend that early-stage state aid would allow the oil-and-gas sector’s know-how to be transferred to wind, preserving the coastal supplier industry. Narvestad also supported the party’s demand for continued oil and gas exploration on the Norwegian continental shelf. The party’s energy spokesperson, Tor Mikkel Wara, said the government should offer tax relief instead of subsidies, insisting companies must rely on profitable projects without state handouts.