OSLO — It’s the moment nosy Norwegian neighbors have been waiting for: the release of official records showing the annual income and overall wealth of nearly every taxpayer in the Scandinavian country.
The “skatteliste,” or “tax list,” is designed to uphold the country’s tradition of transparency. To non-Scandinavians, it would seem to be a gross violation of privacy.
Former cross-country skiing great Bjoern Daehlie, who has eight Olympic gold medals, also has plenty of cash: 29.3 million kroner ($5.4 million). Actress and director Liv Ullmann earned $17,300 in Norway; she has $2.5 million.
Critics say the list is actually a threat to society. Besides providing criminals with prime targets, said Jon Stordrange, director of the Norwegian Taxpayer’s Association, the list generates playground taunts of my-dad-is-richer-than- your-dad.
