Norway proposes budget cuts to FHI and folk high schools

The Norwegian government has proposed significant budget reductions affecting both the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) and folk high schools.

FHI faces a budget reduction of 100 million NOK for 2027, which may lead to the loss of more than 100 positions, affecting nearly 10 percent of its workforce. Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre defended the move as a reallocation of approximately 500 million NOK from central health administration to hospitals to improve patient care. However, health organizations like LHL have expressed concern regarding the impact on disease prevention.

Separately, the Christian Democratic Party (KrF) has criticized proposed cuts to folk high schools. Critics argue that reducing funding and stipends could harm social inclusion and mental health support for youth. The KrF is calling for the stipend portion to remain at 40 percent to ensure accessibility for students from various economic backgrounds.