We have reached an agreement not to issue permits for mineral extraction on the seabed for now. We don't have all the power forever, but what's important is that it doesn't happen now, says Kirsti Bergstø, Socialist Left Party, to NRK.
The government is shelving its plans for 2024 and 2025 in exchange for the Socialist Left Party's support for its budget, the party announces.
According to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labour Party), this is not the end of the plans.
This is just a postponement, he says to Norwegian TV2.
The government's plans for seabed mining off the coast of Northern Norway have led to strong protests.
A impact assessment has been heavily criticized by both experts and parts of the business community. The activity is feared to be highly polluting and harm the environment severely.
The Norwegian branch of the World Wildlife Fund WWF has filed a lawsuit against the state over the mining plans. The organization welcomes the news.
This is a major and important environmental victory. The SV (Socialist Left Party) has stopped the process of seabed mining and given Norway a unique opportunity to save its international reputation and gain necessary knowledge before we even consider exploiting the planet's last untouched wilderness, says Secretary-General Karoline Andaur.
