Norway – Research and development services and related consultancy services – Hate speech and threats to local politicians

Hate speech and threats to political candidates, politicians and other politically engaged are a democratic problem. Withdrawal from politics or withdrawal from the debate due to hate speech, harassment, troublesome enquiries and threats, are serious consequences for democracy that are highlighted by the research. In addition, hate speech and threats to candidates and politicians are challenges raised by the PST in their annual threat assessment. The purpose of the procurement is, firstly, to help enable the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development to update and strengthen measures against hate speech and threats against candidates and politicians in the guide available on the website www.hatogtrusler.no, as well as to propose other measures that can be implemented for the 2027 local election campaign, ahead of the 2027 municipal and county council elections. Second, the purpose is to examine the extent of hate speech and threats to candidates and local politicians during the 2027 local election campaign, including who is exposed to this, in what channels, who is exercising hate speech and threats - and what candidates and politicians themselves experience as consequences, and how they deal with this. The survey shall be compared with other relevant surveys so that they can assess the development over time. The final delivery deadline for the contract is 15 March 2028. The estimated value of the procurement is up to NOK 2,000,000 excluding VAT. The estimated value is not binding for the contracting authority. See annex 1 of the contract for further details on the delivery.