Nationwide Bicentenary of the Constitution
On Thursday 9 January, Olemic Thommessen, President of the Storting and Chair of the Main Committee of the Bicentenary of the Norwegian Constitution, presented the official programme for the 2014 Bicentenary celebrations.
The programme for the 2014 Bicentenary of the Constitution bears testimony to the great enthusiasm that can be found across the country.
“In 2014 we will be celebrating 200 years of democratic development. We hope it will be a year of celebration, rich in learning and events for everyone – all over the country,” said Olemic Thommessen, President of the Storting.
As of today, there are 194 official events and activities. In addition to this, there will be a number of nationwide tours under the auspices of, among others, Riksteatret (the Norwegian touring theatre company), Concerts Norway and the Ombudsman for Children. Several of the long journeys that took place in 1814 from different parts of the country to Eidsvoll will also be re-enacted.
A Bicentenary of the Constitution for the future
The President of the Storting emphasized that the Constitution has played a decisive role in the growth of Norwegian democracy. Consequently, the official programme for the Bicentenary of the Constitution in 2014 aims to raise knowledge and awareness about the Constitution, especially among children and young people. The programme contains all sorts of activities and projects that are aimed specifically at these age groups.
“I’m very pleased that so many activities have been planned for children and young people on their own terms. It is these people who will be the bearers of Norwegian democracy in the future, and the Constitution is its very cornerstone. Raising knowledge about the Constitution means that more people will be able to take part in the debate around modern society’s challenges,” said Olemic Thommessen.
A diverse Bicentenary year thanks to all the contributors
Thommessen closed his presentation by extending a warm thanks to all those – many of them volunteers – who have put in so much hard work and contributed to creating such a diverse Bicentenary year.
“We are very grateful for the commitment and involvement of all the events’ organizers and initiators. We hope that the range of events on display in the official programme will inspire further activities. Our hope and ambition is that events will be arranged in every single municipality to complement the celebrations on Constitution Day,” he said.