The End of the Solberg Era in Norway. The Conservative Party Chooses New Leadership

The decision was made during the party's national convention, held on February 14-15. Søreide's candidacy was unanimously recommended by the election committee. The 49-year-old politician takes over after the Conservative Party's weak performance in the last parliamentary elections. Solberg announced she would step down in the autumn of 2025.

Søreide's selection had been a foregone conclusion for months. Last year, she announced her candidacy for party leader. After her declaration, other potential candidates withdrew from the race. The official vote took place on Saturday.

The new leader emphasized that she takes on the role with humility. She pledged to rebuild trust in the party and highlighted the need to prepare Norway for a new reality. She spoke about new solutions to ensure freedom, security, and opportunities for all.

Søreide has government experience. From 2013 to 2017, she served as Minister of Defence. She then served as Minister of Foreign Affairs until 2021. She currently chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee in parliament.

Immediately after the leader's election, delegates also chose two deputy leaders: Henrik Asheim and Ola Svenneby. Asheim announced joint efforts to rebuild voter trust. Svenneby emphasized the need to strengthen education, increase employment, and lower taxes for citizens and businesses.

Ola Svenneby became the party's second deputy leader. He is the first politician in the history of the Conservative Party to move directly from the position of youth wing leader to the party's top leadership. The new leadership begins its term with the support of 108 mayors and thousands of local and national representatives.