Rather, it raised pensions and advocated cash payments to parents caring for infants. Norway serves up an amazing menu of entitlements. Disabled people receive specially equipped cars and wheelchairs to get around. University education is free. Maternity leave stretches for 42 weeks at full pay.
Sick leave can last a year at full salary.
What makes such generosity possible is North Sea petroleum. Norway is the world's No. 2 exporter of crude oil and No. 3 exporter of natural gas. Norwegians complain about waiting lists for some medical procedures, and many of the wealthy opt for private health care. Yet opinion polls show most people to be content.