Progress Party on the Rise in Norway

The Progress Party, dismissed by the Norwegian political elite as 'far-Right' and shunned in coalitions, is polling its highest ever measure of support among the Norwegian people, at 27%.

Recently, it was announced that immigration to Norway is soaring; last year was a record year in terms of the number of asylum seekers who came, but figures for 2009 are even higher, putting Norway second only to Italy in terms of the number of migrants received:

Compared to other industrialized countries, Norway is almost the first when it comes to increase of the number of asylum seekers from 2007 to 2008 - only beaten by Italy. The trend will continue in 2009.

From 2007 to 2008, the number of asylum seekers in Norway, increased 121 per cent from 6,530 to 14,430. This puts Norway in second place among 50 industrialized countries, only beaten by Italy, which had a growth of 122 percent. Shows a report from the UN refugee council’s (UNHCR) Asylum Trends, writes the Aftenposten.

The Immigration Directorate’s (UDI) half-year figures shows that the increase in asylum influx in Norway continues in 2009. Compared with the first half of 2008, the number of asylum seekers increased 50 percent to just 8,000. In addition, the number of granted asylum cases doubled.

Most countries in Europe, like Norway experienced an increased influx of asylum seekers, but far from an equally strong growth. From 2007 to 2008 Denmark had a growth of 28 percent, approximately 2,400 persons during the year. Sweden had ten times as many applicants as the Danes but the numbers declined by 33 percent from 36,000 to about 24,000.

The Progress Party are coming up with some fairly sensible suggestions about how to deal with this problem, recognising that only 10% of these claimants will be seen as genuine:

The Progress Party of Norway suggest that a Norwegian asylum centre should be established in Africa. The scheme would initially apply to all asylum seekers.

The party’s immigration policy spokesman, Per-Willy Amundsen, says the African asylum center is needed to meet the record high influx of asylum seekers to Norway.

All applicants shall upon arrival in Norway, be flown to the center in Africa. Amundsen told VG that he can foresee exceptions, but that the system initially will apply to all.

”We believe the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should contact the authorities in African countries ,which currently receive Norwegian aid, with a proposal to reaching an agreement to establish asylum in these countries," said Amundsen.

He mentions the countries that receive direct aid from Norway, including Uganda and Tanzania.

“Tanzania is particularly suitable well because it receives much of the direct support, right into the state budget. At the same time, it is a relatively stable country,” says Amundsen.

He expects that this will mean that many asylum seekers will not to come to Norway.

”This concerns applicants who do not have requirements for asylum. We believe that only 10 percent of asylum seekers are entitled to be in Norway based on a strict interpretation of the UN refugee convention. There is very welcome, " he adds.

Obviously this could create an influx of asylum seekers wishing to reach Norway from Africa, but I like the idea that all the African governments propping up their corruption and unsustainable populations with Norwegian cash should have to help Norway in return.

Isn't it sad that thinking from politicians which even touches common sense has to be gasped at and celebrated?

The idea that Norwegian politicians are there to serve Norway and its people first should simply be the normal, accepted view.

Hopefully if the Progress Party do as well as the polls indicate, it will be.