Compromise on Finnmark Law in Norway

The Norwegian parliamentarians say they have reached a compromise on a new law for the northern portion of Norway, the administrative region known as Finnmark – the traditional homeland of Saami reindeer herders and fishermen.

The Finnmark Law gives up Norway’s ownership over an area comparable with the size of Denmark.

In 2007, the area, which today is 96 percent owned by the state, will be transferred to a new institution to be run by the three representatives of the Saami Parliament, the Samidiggi, and three representatives of the northern counties.

Saami had lobbied for a clear majority voice on the new management body created by the Finnmark Law.