Nikolai Astrup will merge Oslo and Bærum. – Dagsavisen

 
 

It will then be Norway’s largest municipal merger, Kriva VG.

 
 

It has not been a topic of merging Oslo with some of the surrounding communities in the ongoing municipalities form. Oslo is big enough, has been the prevailing perception.

 
 

But Astrup believes a merger with Bærum should be investigated. Bærums perhaps more natural partner, Asker, jobs namely for a merger with smoke and Hurum. Hurum had recently a referendum in which the majority said yes to such a merger.

 
 

– Will there be a new major region of Hallingdal to Halden and Asker turns to smoke and Hurum, it is natural that Oslo look at how we will cooperate with Bærum, which can be left outside, says Astrup VG.

 
 

City council leader in Oslo, Raymond Johansen (Ap), is relatively lukewarm to the idea.

 
 

– I do not think we should spend a lot of time and effort on this now, he says to the newspaper. He is, however, agree with Astrup from the need to find better ways to collaborate in the Oslo region. (NTB)

Oslo Conservative leader Nikolai Astrup believes Oslo and Bærum should merge into one municipality. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB scanpix