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On Thursday, Councilor Raymond Johansen confirmed that local infection control measures in Oslo will continue for another two weeks.
At the same time, a sentence occurred to him:
– We need a separate package of measures for Oslo, especially aimed at nightlife and tourism, and towards the areas with the highest unemployment, said Johansen.
It made Sandnes Deputy Mayor Pål Morten Borgli look red.
– I react very strongly to the fact that he is trying to win the favoritism of the capital, in the midst of the situation in which we find ourselves. The business community across the country is struggling, Borgli tells TV 2.
– We’re on it!
Borgli believes that the municipality of Oslo should handle the corona pandemic on an equal footing with the rest of the country’s municipalities.
– Our region was already characterized by a weakened oil industry when the corona pandemic spread here. But we must stand firm, says Borgli.
– What is provocative and cruel about him is that he asks for a separate package of measures for the municipality of Oslo, as if there should be some special arrangements for the capital, continues the deputy mayor.
Response to the accusation
Johansen says he has every right to ask for additional support for Oslo.
– It should only be missing that I, as the leader of the city, speak of the cause of the city. Many companies that were profitable before the corona pandemic are now in danger of going bankrupt. Unlike the Sandnes deputy mayor, I want us to do what we can to save them, says the municipal council leader.
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It adds that Oslo has been the epicenter of the pandemic in Norway, and that the municipality has long had stricter local corona regulations compared to other municipalities.
Johansen adds that strict crown regulations have led to the business community in Oslo being more affected than in other municipalities.
– It is therefore important that there is also a separate crisis package specially tailored to Oslo. Of course, this does not prevent other parts of the country from receiving support as well, the city council leader said.
War of words
Johansen says he will not stop demanding new packages of measures for Oslo.
– Based on Borgli’s statements, it can be assumed that he believes that the municipalities will solve this by themselves, and without help from the government. He is happy to “participate” on behalf of his business community, but I will continue to fight for Oslo businesses and jobs. Compensation schemes must ensure that profitable companies survive this crisis. I think the Sandnes business community probably agrees with that too.
He adds that he would like Borgli to show more consideration for the Oslo business community.
– During the drop in oil prices, I supported crisis packages to save jobs in southern and western Norway. It is a shame that Sandnes’ deputy mayor does not sympathize in the same way with Oslo and with all the waiters, receptionists, cleaners, chefs, taxi drivers and others who have been fired or lost their jobs in Oslo, says Johansen.
