Commentators say government yields on proposed savings

The government may retreat from proposed savings when they face political opposition and pressure, political commentators Árni Gregersen and Bjørt Samuelsen said in a discussion of next year’s budget proposal on KVF’s Breddin programme.

The proposal includes plans to close the diplomatic mission in Tel Aviv, but it will now remain open. Municipalities have objected to a plan to abolish harbour charges for Strandferðslan, the ferry service, and the health minister has indicated that funding could be restored to a fund for specialist doctors.

The commentators said the changes could create difficulties for the governing coalition, which has presented a budget with a projected surplus of just 13.5 million kroner.

The budget is being debated in the Løgting, the Faroese parliament, and is due to be referred to its finance committee.