There exists a particular form of political arrogance that thrives exclusively in the corridors of power in Oslo. It manifests itself most clearly in the perpetual obsession with enrolling Norway in the European Union.
Neither a resoundingly clear no in 1972 nor an equally emphatic no in 1994 appears to sink in with the parties that have decided they know better than the people they are elected to serve.
Høyre and Venstre are eagerly pressing for a new referendum, and in recent times they have been joined by an increasingly power-hungry MDG. They wrap it in fine words about security policy and European solidarity. But the real subtext is impossible to miss. They believe the people have answered incorrectly twice and that we must now be driven to the ballot boxes again and again, until we finally give the answer Brussels demands.
It is a direct mockery of the very foundation of our democracy.
On the other side stand Senterpartiet, SV and Rødt, clinging firmly to their no-position, while Fremskrittspartiet largely stands steady on the side of the nation-state and popular sovereignty. Arbeiderpartiet, which historically has carried the burden for Norwegian EU membership, is for the moment sitting very quietly in the boat because they know the issue is political suicide right now.
Guri Melby (V) is a politician who believes that the Norwegian people lack knowledge, and that this is the reason the people vote against the EU.
Photo: Amanda Pedersen Giske / NTB
They pretend the matter is laid to rest, but we all know that the dream of a seat on the Continent remains very much alive among the party elite.
As to what the people actually want, there is no doubt whatsoever. Poll after poll has for years shown a massive majority against Norwegian EU membership. Norwegians have long since grown weary of a supranational bureaucracy that consumes our national sovereignty bit by bit.
We quite simply do not wish to hand over control of our own natural resources, our own interest rate and our own borders to unelected bureaucrats.
It is high time that the EU supporters in Norwegian politics set aside their daydreams and begin to respect the popular will. To force through a third referendum solely because the elite are itching for international top positions would be an unforgivable betrayal.
The people have spoken clearly and unequivocally. A “no” is a “no”, even when it does not in the slightest fit into grand European visions.