We must not allow such mistakes to be repeated. The Government will therefore pursue a responsible long-term policy that enhances the country s ability to meet the welfare challenges of tomorrow. We will continue to develop our social welfare services step by step. The government budget for 2001 is designed to ensure balanced growth in the Norwegian economy and to further develop our social welfare services. Our monetary policy is oriented towards maintaining exchange rate stability against European currencies.
Work is the most important source of welfare.
The Government will therefore cooperate with the social partners in order to maintain high employment and keep the numbers of unemployed low. Price and cost inflation in Norway must be reduced to the level among our trading partners. The Government s goal is to ensure equitable distribution and social cohesion . We wish Norway to be a country where everyone has an equal opportunity to realize their abilities and potential. We will ensure that the weakest groups also enjoy the benefits of improvements in welfare.