natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
This concept of equality consists of three major pillars: 
This concept of equality consists of three major pillars:
Social security. 
Social security.
Free health care. 
Free health care.
And free education. 
And free education.
Norway is also characterized by high levels of employment. 
Norway is also characterized by high levels of employment.
We put strong emphasis on maximizing labor force participation. 
We put strong emphasis on maximizing labor force participation.
And finally, our model of society seems to be conducive to good economic performance. 
And finally, our model of society seems to be conducive to good economic performance.
So how can it be that Norway - in spite of its “heaviness” – is a well functioning economy? 
So how can it be that Norway - in spite of its “heaviness” – is a well functioning economy?
Did economists get it wrong or was it rather a question of luck? 
Did economists get it wrong or was it rather a question of luck?
It is widely known that Norway is blessed by nature in terms of energy resources – not only oil and gas, but also hydropower. 
It is widely known that Norway is blessed by nature in terms of energy resources – not only oil and gas, but also hydropower.
Access to electric power from waterfalls helped us build industries in the last century. 
Access to electric power from waterfalls helped us build industries in the last century.
Today, Norway is ranked as the fifth largest oil exporter and the third largest gas exporter in the world. 
Today, Norway is ranked as the fifth largest oil exporter and the third largest gas exporter in the world.
It may be tempting then to jump to the conclusion that Norway’s success has benefited a lot from the export of oil and natural gas. 
It may be tempting then to jump to the conclusion that Norway’s success has benefited a lot from the export of oil and natural gas.
This is certainly true! 
This is certainly true!
The Norwegian economy has since the 1970’s been heavily influenced by the discovery of petroleum resources in the North Sea. 
The Norwegian economy has since the 1970’s been heavily influenced by the discovery of petroleum resources in the North Sea.
However, I believe it will be too easy to conclude that the Norwegian economy is only about oil and natural gas. 
However, I believe it will be too easy to conclude that the Norwegian economy is only about oil and natural gas.
Our good economic performance also reflects other factors. 
Our good economic performance also reflects other factors.
It is also important to underline that Norway started introducing many progressive social reforms long before we struck oil. 
It is also important to underline that Norway started introducing many progressive social reforms long before we struck oil.
We started doing this when we were still a relatively poor country.Let me briefly mention some of the crucial factors that most often are considered when determining the Nordic model. 
We started doing this when we were still a relatively poor country.Let me briefly mention some of the crucial factors that most often are considered when determining the Nordic model.
These are: 
These are:
Tripartite cooperation between unions, employers and the government. 
Tripartite cooperation between unions, employers and the government.
Labor market policies. 
Labor market policies.
Gender equality. 
Gender equality.
And openness to trade. 
And openness to trade.
One of the most fiercely held Norwegian core values is likhet - which means alikeness, sameness or equality. 
One of the most fiercely held Norwegian core values is likhet - which means alikeness, sameness or equality.
Nothing usually upset the Norwegians more than transgressions against their notions of equality. 
Nothing usually upset the Norwegians more than transgressions against their notions of equality.
The most celebrated example of this egalitarian trait was the day the beloved King Olav hopped a city bus and rode to his destination. 
The most celebrated example of this egalitarian trait was the day the beloved King Olav hopped a city bus and rode to his destination.
This happened in 1973 when the international oil crisis limited the use of private cars. 
This happened in 1973 when the international oil crisis limited the use of private cars.
The Norwegians loved him for it. 
The Norwegians loved him for it.
He was demonstrating that although he was the king, he knew what to do. 
He was demonstrating that although he was the king, he knew what to do.
He wasn’t really any better than anyone else. 
He wasn’t really any better than anyone else.
He was one of us. 
He was one of us.
The consensus for equality has deep roots and a complex history in Norway. 
The consensus for equality has deep roots and a complex history in Norway.
As already mentioned, one vital factor is the development of the tripartite cooperation between unions, employers and the state. 
As already mentioned, one vital factor is the development of the tripartite cooperation between unions, employers and the state.
LO is the largest and most influential workers´ organization in Norway, while the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise is the main organization for Norwegian employers. 
LO is the largest and most influential workers´ organization in Norway, while the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise is the main organization for Norwegian employers.
The tripartite cooperation has led to a number of social reforms and has played an important role in shaping the Norwegian welfare state. 
The tripartite cooperation has led to a number of social reforms and has played an important role in shaping the Norwegian welfare state.
Let me give you a few examples: 
Let me give you a few examples:
The introduction of a Work Protection and Working Environment Act. 
The introduction of a Work Protection and Working Environment Act.
Work hours regulation limits for all workers. 
Work hours regulation limits for all workers.
Sickness benefit guaranteeing 100 per cent compensation during sick leave. 
Sickness benefit guaranteeing 100 per cent compensation during sick leave.
Among the many positive consequences of the tripartite cooperation is the way it seems to prevent long-lasting strikes. 
Among the many positive consequences of the tripartite cooperation is the way it seems to prevent long-lasting strikes.
Serious, long lasting strikes are quite frequently experienced also in many other countries in Europe. 
Serious, long lasting strikes are quite frequently experienced also in many other countries in Europe.
Although we also experience strikes in Norway, I believe the social dialogue between employers and employees contributes to our low levels of strike activity compared to other European countries. 
Although we also experience strikes in Norway, I believe the social dialogue between employers and employees contributes to our low levels of strike activity compared to other European countries.
Highly centralized wage bargaining is another crucial factor to keep in mind when explaining the Nordic model. 
Highly centralized wage bargaining is another crucial factor to keep in mind when explaining the Nordic model.
Norway has since 1945 developed a strong tradition for coordinated tripartite bargaining - I would say stronger than in most other countries. 
Norway has since 1945 developed a strong tradition for coordinated tripartite bargaining - I would say stronger than in most other countries.
Furthermore, many social regulations do not come from the law, like in other countries, but are defined in collective agreements. 
Furthermore, many social regulations do not come from the law, like in other countries, but are defined in collective agreements.
Let me give you an example of how this can work in practice. 
Let me give you an example of how this can work in practice.
Today the global financial crisis has led to a situation which in many ways is quite similar to what we experienced during the 1990´s. 
Today the global financial crisis has led to a situation which in many ways is quite similar to what we experienced during the 1990´s.
At that time a tripartite cooperation between the unions, employers and the government secured moderation in the annual wage negotiations. 
At that time a tripartite cooperation between the unions, employers and the government secured moderation in the annual wage negotiations.
This led to a rapid decline in wage growth which in turn contributed to a formidable recovery of the Norwegian economy. 
This led to a rapid decline in wage growth which in turn contributed to a formidable recovery of the Norwegian economy.
Today, the downturn in the global economy calls for similar moderation. 
Today, the downturn in the global economy calls for similar moderation.
Wage increases must be limited in order to secure high labor participation, low unemployment and stable growth. 
Wage increases must be limited in order to secure high labor participation, low unemployment and stable growth.
The way our labor markets are organized is undoubtedly another key feature of the Nordic model. 
The way our labor markets are organized is undoubtedly another key feature of the Nordic model.
Compared with what is regarded as normal in many other nations, huge public efforts are focused on reducing the burden of unemployment. 
Compared with what is regarded as normal in many other nations, huge public efforts are focused on reducing the burden of unemployment.
If a person becomes unemployed in Norway, he receives unemployment benefits from the state, education and job counseling. 
If a person becomes unemployed in Norway, he receives unemployment benefits from the state, education and job counseling.
Jobseekers are offered assistance in finding a new job and are also offered the opportunity to take courses. 
Jobseekers are offered assistance in finding a new job and are also offered the opportunity to take courses.
I am convinced that an active labor marked policy combined with a social safety net reduce the length of unemployment periods associated with job losses. 
I am convinced that an active labor marked policy combined with a social safety net reduce the length of unemployment periods associated with job losses.
On the other hand, we have also been working for more flexibility in our labor markets during difficult times. 
On the other hand, we have also been working for more flexibility in our labor markets during difficult times.
Flexible rules now make it easy for the employers to lay off employees during periods of recession and to re-hire them when markets improve again. 
Flexible rules now make it easy for the employers to lay off employees during periods of recession and to re-hire them when markets improve again.
When a large company fails in Norway, it has traditionally been the role of the state to take responsibility to secure the individual and to restore the community. 
When a large company fails in Norway, it has traditionally been the role of the state to take responsibility to secure the individual and to restore the community.
We aim at improving people´s employment opportunities, not sheltering particular types of jobs or industries. 
We aim at improving people´s employment opportunities, not sheltering particular types of jobs or industries.
I believe this is something which makes us less vulnerable to globalization and changes in industrial structures. 
I believe this is something which makes us less vulnerable to globalization and changes in industrial structures.
The simple explanation is this: as long as you are protected by welfare services, it is easier to adapt to challengesWhat we observe, is in fact that the Nordic model encourages business innovation. 
The simple explanation is this: as long as you are protected by welfare services, it is easier to adapt to challengesWhat we observe, is in fact that the Nordic model encourages business innovation.
A well developed safety net has made workers more open for changes and increased the economy´s ability to adapt to a globalized world. 
A well developed safety net has made workers more open for changes and increased the economy´s ability to adapt to a globalized world.
Women As previously mentioned the government in Norway provides more social services than in many other European countries. 
Women As previously mentioned the government in Norway provides more social services than in many other European countries.
To some extent this has made it possible and necessary for women to be well represented in the labor market. 
To some extent this has made it possible and necessary for women to be well represented in the labor market.
Thirty years ago, less than half of all Norwegian women were employed or actively seeking work. 
Thirty years ago, less than half of all Norwegian women were employed or actively seeking work.
Since then Norwegian women have increasingly participated in the work force. 
Since then Norwegian women have increasingly participated in the work force.
In 2008 70 per cent of the female population was working full or part time. 
In 2008 70 per cent of the female population was working full or part time.
It is a common assumption that this increase didn´t happen by itself. 
It is a common assumption that this increase didn´t happen by itself.
It came as a result of policy changes aimed at giving women more equal opportunities. 
It came as a result of policy changes aimed at giving women more equal opportunities.
We are still debating how family and work can be made easier to combine through flexible arrangements. 
We are still debating how family and work can be made easier to combine through flexible arrangements.
One example is the father´s quota of ten weeks of the parental leave. 
One example is the father´s quota of ten weeks of the parental leave.
These weeks are exclusively reserved for him. 
These weeks are exclusively reserved for him.
If the father chooses not to take this leave, the quota is deducted from the total period of the parental leave. 
If the father chooses not to take this leave, the quota is deducted from the total period of the parental leave.
I believe this arrangement has been an important tool in changing attitudes and behavior regarding the sharing and balance of work and family responsibilities. 
I believe this arrangement has been an important tool in changing attitudes and behavior regarding the sharing and balance of work and family responsibilities.
Let me mention another example of policy changes in recent years. 
Let me mention another example of policy changes in recent years.
As far as I know Norway is the only country in the world to require gender balanced representation on corporate boards. 
As far as I know Norway is the only country in the world to require gender balanced representation on corporate boards.
The law, which was proposed by a conservative government, required 40 per cent of all company board members to be of either sex. 
The law, which was proposed by a conservative government, required 40 per cent of all company board members to be of either sex.
I believe this legislation has been an important step towards equality between the sexes and a more equal society. 
I believe this legislation has been an important step towards equality between the sexes and a more equal society.
Some surveys also indicate that diversity on corporate boards has a positive impact on the companies' bottom line. 
Some surveys also indicate that diversity on corporate boards has a positive impact on the companies' bottom line.
Recruiting more women to the corporate boards will increase diversity, and thereby positively impact on the companies´ results. 
Recruiting more women to the corporate boards will increase diversity, and thereby positively impact on the companies´ results.
Furthermore, since women constitute half of the population, they should accordingly claim half of the influence and power. 
Furthermore, since women constitute half of the population, they should accordingly claim half of the influence and power.
Another factor which may also explain the good performance of the Nordic model is our strong dependence on trade. 
Another factor which may also explain the good performance of the Nordic model is our strong dependence on trade.
Norway, as a small economy, has strong traditions for open trade. 
Norway, as a small economy, has strong traditions for open trade.
We have largely no tariffs for industrial products and liberal access to foreign suppliers. 
We have largely no tariffs for industrial products and liberal access to foreign suppliers.
This openness underpins our own economy, while at the same time benefiting our trade partners as well. 
This openness underpins our own economy, while at the same time benefiting our trade partners as well.
Our main export goods are petroleum and petroleum products, machinery, ships and fish. 
Our main export goods are petroleum and petroleum products, machinery, ships and fish.
Due to the oil and gas exports Norway in recent years has had a surplus in external trade. 
Due to the oil and gas exports Norway in recent years has had a surplus in external trade.
This means that the value of goods and services that we export is greater than the import value. 
This means that the value of goods and services that we export is greater than the import value.
This has not always been the case. 
This has not always been the case.
For a large part of last century, we had to import more than we managed to sell, and we were constantly borrowing money in order to cover the deficit. 
For a large part of last century, we had to import more than we managed to sell, and we were constantly borrowing money in order to cover the deficit.
Today, one of the Norwegian government’s key priorities is to ensure that the business environment remains conducive to innovation, investment and growth. 
Today, one of the Norwegian government’s key priorities is to ensure that the business environment remains conducive to innovation, investment and growth.
It seems that Norway, like the other Nordic countries, has found a good balance between market economy and state regulations. 
It seems that Norway, like the other Nordic countries, has found a good balance between market economy and state regulations.
However, there is no doubt that the Nordic model is currently facing some challenges. 
However, there is no doubt that the Nordic model is currently facing some challenges.
First of all, the Nordic model poses some questions. 
First of all, the Nordic model poses some questions.
How far should governments go in providing for the welfare of its citizens? 
How far should governments go in providing for the welfare of its citizens?
What happens to individual initiative and personal responsibility when governments provide generous welfare benefits? 
What happens to individual initiative and personal responsibility when governments provide generous welfare benefits?
Let me give a few examples from Norway. 
Let me give a few examples from Norway.
It is definitely worrying that more than 20 per cent of the working age population in Norway is on some form of disability pension, sick leave or other health related benefits. 
It is definitely worrying that more than 20 per cent of the working age population in Norway is on some form of disability pension, sick leave or other health related benefits.
And it is even more worrying that the number is rising, as shown on this figure. 
And it is even more worrying that the number is rising, as shown on this figure.
The government in Norway is therefore taking several political initiatives to reverse this trend. 
The government in Norway is therefore taking several political initiatives to reverse this trend.
Two months ago the government, the unions and the employers agreed on an extensive economic stimulus package to reduce sick leave among Norwegians. 
Two months ago the government, the unions and the employers agreed on an extensive economic stimulus package to reduce sick leave among Norwegians.
In order to maintain our extensive welfare system in the future, it is crucial that we succeed in reducing these alarming numbers. 
In order to maintain our extensive welfare system in the future, it is crucial that we succeed in reducing these alarming numbers.
The number of citizens past the official retirement age will increase rapidly after 2010. 
The number of citizens past the official retirement age will increase rapidly after 2010.
In addition, the average pension compared to the average wage is expected to increase in Norway in the coming years. 
In addition, the average pension compared to the average wage is expected to increase in Norway in the coming years.
Benefits per pensioner will therefore rise dramatically in the years ahead. 
Benefits per pensioner will therefore rise dramatically in the years ahead.
Furthermore, the opportunity to retire before the pensionable age of 67 has been unevenly distributed in our public pension system. 
Furthermore, the opportunity to retire before the pensionable age of 67 has been unevenly distributed in our public pension system.
In recent years there has been a growing consensus that our current pension system poses a challenge to the welfare state and the Nordic model. 
In recent years there has been a growing consensus that our current pension system poses a challenge to the welfare state and the Nordic model.
The process of reforming this system started as early as in 2001, and in spring 2009 the Parliament passed a comprehensive reform. 
The process of reforming this system started as early as in 2001, and in spring 2009 the Parliament passed a comprehensive reform.
Calculations show that the reform will lead to a strong improvement in economic incentives to postpone retirement and continue working compared to the current system. 
Calculations show that the reform will lead to a strong improvement in economic incentives to postpone retirement and continue working compared to the current system.
To sum up, although we haven´t been able to eliminate all disadvantages, I am deeply convinced that the Nordic model will be sustainable also in the future. 
To sum up, although we haven´t been able to eliminate all disadvantages, I am deeply convinced that the Nordic model will be sustainable also in the future.
Public opinion polls show strong support for the welfare state and the fundamental principles of the Nordic model. 
Public opinion polls show strong support for the welfare state and the fundamental principles of the Nordic model.
Furthermore, experiences during recent years show that a broad majority in Parliament supports political reforms which can secure sustainability in our welfare services. 
Furthermore, experiences during recent years show that a broad majority in Parliament supports political reforms which can secure sustainability in our welfare services.
This however, doesn´t mean that we don´t need a debate on how to design the system so that it is able to meet future challenges. 
This however, doesn´t mean that we don´t need a debate on how to design the system so that it is able to meet future challenges.
I would certainly suggest that the Nordic model of society has something valuable to offer. 
I would certainly suggest that the Nordic model of society has something valuable to offer.
It has been accused of hindering economic growth, but it seems however, that there is no demonstrable relationship between economic growth and tax levels or the size of the public sector. 
It has been accused of hindering economic growth, but it seems however, that there is no demonstrable relationship between economic growth and tax levels or the size of the public sector.
The Nordic bumblebee is actually able to fly although conventional economic thought still struggles to explain how this is possible. 
The Nordic bumblebee is actually able to fly although conventional economic thought still struggles to explain how this is possible.
Finally, if you allow me, I would like to draw your attention to this region. 
Finally, if you allow me, I would like to draw your attention to this region.
As I have pointed out, equality is at the heart of the Norwegian model and it is among the core factors explaining its success. 
As I have pointed out, equality is at the heart of the Norwegian model and it is among the core factors explaining its success.