King Harald remains hospitalised, sick leave down and rail tunnel to close for repairs. Here’s the news from Norway this Thursday.
King Harald to stay in hospital to treat infection
King Harald will have to stay in hospital in Tenerife for a few days because of a leg infection, but the 89-year-old monarch’s health is generally good, his personal doctor said Wednesday.
The king was taken to hospital while on holiday on the Spanish island, suffering from an infection and dehydration.
“The king’s overall health is good and he is responding well to treatment. The infection stems from a skin infection on one of his legs,” the doctor, Bjørn Bendz, said in a royal statement published by AFP.
“The king will remain in hospital for a few more days for observation and continued treatment,” he added.
Europe’s oldest monarch was admitted to Hospital Universitario Hospiten Sur in Tenerife on Tuesday evening. He was on a private visit with his wife, Queen Sonja, 88, and celebrated his latest birthday on Saturday.
“When people who are nearly 90 are admitted to hospital for an infection, it’s a serious situation,” said Bendz.
“It is important that we have a good overview and full control of his state of health before the king can leave hospital — even if his condition is stable at the moment,” he added.
Sick leave at lowest level for three years
Norway’s sick leave rate in 2025 was 6.57 percent, the lowest level for three years according to figures from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) reported by news agency NTB.
The 2025 sick leave figure represents a decline of 2.7 percent from the record-high level in registered 2024.
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“This shows that we can reduce sick leave without cutting sick pay,” Centre Party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum told NTB, referring to previous suggestions from the opposition Conservative and Liberal parties that reducing sick pay was a possible remedy for high sick leave.
“Sick pay is a cornerstone of the welfare state that must be protected. We must continue to make decisions that improve conditions in the workplace so that sick leave continues to fall,” he said.
Rail tunnel to be closed after cracks identified
The Skien rail tunnel will be closed next month to carry out necessary safety measures after cracks were found inside the tunnel.
The work will take place from March 6th-9th, rail operator Bane Nor said according to NRK.
Investigations show that a crack has developed that could eventually cause rocks to loosen. However, the affected stretch is safe until the closure, section manager Bjørn Ståle Varnes told the broadcaster.
“We have reduced speeds and carry out daily inspections. This gives us good control. It is safe to travel by train now, but we are taking these measures to remove the future risk,” he said.
Bus services will replace trains between Porsgrunn and Skien while the tunnel is closed.