What happened in Oslo
At around 12:00 on Saturday, roughly 20 demonstrators from the grassroots group Folk mot fossilmakta sat down in the busy crossroad where Frederiks gate meets Karl Johans gate in Oslo. The action took place in a highly trafficked part of the city, nearby the Royal Palace and the National Theatre. The organizers said their plan was a 15‑minute sit‑in to press for demokratizing the Oil Fund, formally known as Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, arguing that its investments do not reflect the values of the people.
Who is behind the demonstration
The demonstration is organized by Folk mot fossilmakta, a grassroots movement that positions itself against fossil fuel influence in public policy and finance. The organization’s spokesperson, 31‑year‑old Frida Steinbakk, has previously drawn attention for participating in high‑profile protests, including an incident at Ullevaal Stadium during a 2024 international match. In a press statement, Steinbakk criticized the current governance of the Oil Fund, saying that the government, the Ethics Council, and the fund’s leadership have failed to manage the fund in line with popular values.
“Dagens system—regjeringen, Etikkrådet og fondets ledelse—har sviktet. De forvalter ikke våre penger i tråd med våre verdier. Derfor trenger vi et permanent folkeråd som kan sikre at folkets stemmer får innflytelse i de store etiske spørsmålene,” Steinbakk told Dagbladet in an interview accompanying the demonstration. The message behind the sit‑in is that the fund’s investments may conflict with broad public values, according to the organizers.
Police response and traffic impact
The Oslo police were alerted to the sit‑in just after 12:00. Operasjonsleder Eirik Sannes described the scene, saying that about 20 people blocked the roadway, hindering both public transport and access for emergency services. Officers moved in to enforce a removal order so that traffic could be restored. “Most complied with the order to leave voluntarily. A few individuals did not and were removed,” Sannes said. Traffic resumed around 12:25, with authorities evaluating further measures for those who did not move.
Steinbakk confirmed that police actions were prompt after the protest began and stated that the organization would continue with similar demonstrations in the future. “This is the first time that many of us have gathered in one place. We will return in October with even more participants,” she told Dagbladet. “We will repeat road blockages for 15 minutes to clearly convey our opinion about the governance of the Oil Fund.”
What comes next for the protest movement
Organizers say that the sit‑ins are part of a broader campaign to reform how the Oil Fund operates, arguing for more transparency and public input in ethical decisions. The group suggests that more supporters are joining each time, and they anticipate larger turnouts in future actions. The planned approach—short, deliberate blockades of major intersections—aims to maintain visibility without causing prolonged disruption, though organizers acknowledge the traffic impact is an inherent consequence of their tactic.
Analysts note that debates over the Oil Fund’s ethical guidelines and investment strategy are persistent in Norway. Protests like this one underscore a persistent demand from parts of civil society for more direct influence over how public assets are managed in line with societal values. As the next demonstrations are tentatively scheduled for October, observers will watch how authorities respond and whether the movement shifts its strategy in the face of growing participation.
