Feb 15 • 10:51 UTC 🇳🇴 Norway Aftenposten

Oslo municipality's nightmare in Spain seemed to be over. It was 'misinformation'

Oslo municipality's long-standing anguish over a property purchase in Spain continues as a reported sale turns out to be misinformation.

The Oslo municipality has been grappling with the ramifications of its purchase of a 12-acre olive grove in Altea on Spain's Costa Blanca since 2005, intending to transform it into a modern nursing home with rehabilitation facilities for the elderly. Recent reports indicated that the municipality had finally found a buyer for the property, which had been mired in controversy and public interest for many years. However, it was later revealed that these reports were based on misinformation, leaving the municipality to face continued uncertainty and challenges regarding its misadventure in Spain.

The original purchase was made for 3.4 million kroner and was part of a vision spearheaded by former Elderly Minister Margareth Eckbo (Progress Party) and her successor Sylvi Listhaug, aimed at providing unique care solutions for elderly residents of Oslo. As plans for the nursing home fell apart over the years, criticism and scrutiny mounted regarding the municipality's handling of the property. Now, with the sale turning out to be a falsehood, there are renewed concerns about how this issue will impact Oslo's budget and its elderly care commitments.

This ongoing situation serves as a cautionary tale for municipal governance and real estate investments, particularly highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in such decisions. The public will likely demand answers as to how the misinformation was propagated and what steps will be taken to rectify the situation, emphasizing the importance of proper oversight in government dealings involving significant financial stakes.

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