On Sunday, the grilling of the Høyre tops continues at the Lysebu hotel in Oslo. There, the election committee in the Conservative Party has gathered to meet the candidates in question to hold, among other things, the top posts in the party, including the position of leader.
Last from the selection committee is Sandra Bruflot.
– I told the election committee that I would like to become deputy leader of the Conservative Party, Bruflot tells VG outside the hotel.
Bruflot was a parliamentary representative from 2021 to 2025. She is a former leader of Unge Høyre. In 2023, she was elected as leader of Høyre’s women’s forum.
– If the Conservative Party is to do well and win elections, we must also reach the women. And we have to reach some of those who are a bit more centre-oriented, and I hope I can contribute to that, says Bruflot to VG.
Earlier today, Nikolai Astrup also appeared. He was silent on the way into the meeting, but afterwards he had the following message:
– I have had a long and good conversation with the election committee and communicated to them that I want to become party leader in the Conservative Party, says Nikolai Astrup to VG.
The 47-year-old held three cabinet posts during Solberg’s reign. Astrup has been elected to the Storting since 2009 and has chaired several committees.
– Why are you the right man?
– I have long and wide experience, have been in the Storting for a long time and worked on many different subject areas. And have, I believe, good prerequisites for building the team that we need to win the elections in 2027 and 2029, says Astrup.
– How do you differentiate yourself from the other candidates?
– We have many good people in the Conservative Party and many who can do this job. But I think it is important that those of us who have been involved for a long time and who have broad experience.
Astrup has a large fortune via his family. His investment company has done well and he is currently doing well over DKK 600 million.
– You don’t think that your wealth can be a deterrent to people?
– I think people are more concerned with where you are going than where you come from. The most important thing is to build a political project that voters can identify with and that they want to support.
Can profit greatly from Conservative politics
Table of Contents
- 1. Can profit greatly from Conservative politics
- 2. – Possible to be personal
- 3. Will elect a new leader
- 4. Mayor: – Gets a six for clarity
- 5. Asheim opened for management positions
- 6. Søreide: No final decision made
- 7. Frølich: Motivating
- 8. What specific tax reform proposals were debated by the committee to stimulate economic growth?
- 9. Astrup Discusses Meeting with Høyre Election Committee
- 10. Key Takeaways from the Discussion
- 11. Focus on Economic Policy & Fiscal Duty
- 12. Immigration debate & Integration Strategies
- 13. Healthcare Priorities & System Improvements
- 14. Astrup’s Stance on Key Political Issues
- 15. Potential Impact on Election outcomes
In recent years, Astrup has paid several million kroner in wealth tax annually and is the politician who has contributed the most tax to the treasury in recent years. It also means that he saves large sums if the Conservative Party wins with its fan case to cut it.
– You yourself will benefit from removing wealth tax. Is it something the Conservative Party wants to work on in the future?
– It is the national assembly that decides the Conservative Party’s programme, and what the Conservative Party’s program should be in that area. So I think the people are probably more concerned with where we are going than where I came from. I am absolutely certain that the party makes good decisions about what the Conservative Party’s tax policy should be, completely independently of me, as they have always done.
As leader of the Conservative Party, you can quickly become prime minister if the bourgeois side wins the election. But Astrup does not want to say much about that possibility just yet.
– I think we should take one thing at a time. Now it is first important to signal that I could imagine becoming a leader in the Conservative Party. And then it remains to be seen what the Conservative Party thinks about it, then we will take it from there.
– Possible to be personal
Erna Solberg became famous for letting the press right into a messy kitchen and everyday life in Bergen.
Astrup lives on Bygdøy in Oslo with his wife Helle Astrup, who is much closer for curious journalists and press photographers from Akersgata.
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The then Local Government Minister Erna Solberg (H) relaxed on the sofa at home with her legs in the lap of her husband Sindre Finnes after a long day at work in 2004. Photo: Karin Beate Nøsterud / VG -
A fairly tidy version of the living room at Erna Solberg’s home in Bergen in 2018 Photo: Hallgeir Vågenes / VG -
Solberg and Finnes shared a bottle of red wine on the sofa in 2009 after a long election campaign. Photo: Tor Erik H. Mathiesen / VG -
Erna Solberg demonstrated the usefulness of laundry helpers, while relaxing in the chair with the children in 2003. Photo: Espen Sjølingstad Hoen / VG
– Are you ready for a portrait interview at home in the living room and for people to get to know you really well?
– I will probably be a slightly different leader than Erna Solberg has been. But it is clear that you have to offer yourself if you want to have such a position. But it is possible to be personal without being private, says Astrup.
He is critical of how the party ran the election campaign this year. The result was disastrous and the demands for a change of management came quickly.
– We must have a political project that people can identify with. And that solves people’s everyday challenges, says Astrup.
Will elect a new leader
TV2 was first to announce that Astrup is running for the leadership position.
The entire leadership of the Conservative Party is to be elected, but the most important question is who will succeed Erna Solberg, who will step down after having held the job since 2004.
The new leadership must also save the party after a crisis election, in which the FRP swept past and the Conservative Party lost many representatives in the Storting.
The Conservative Party tried to keep the meeting place a secret yesterday, but VG found out in the morning hours.
And appeared Peter Frølich, Henrik Asheim and Ine Eriksen Søreide up to answer questions.
Mayor: – Gets a six for clarity
Mayor of Bø, Sture Pedersen, wants both Astrup and Frølich in the Conservative leadership.
– Astrup clearly gets a six from me. I am impressed by him, says Pedersen to VG.
– He is right when he says that the Conservative Party must prioritize standing up for the community and that a conservative party must have a big heart for all people who have a more difficult starting point than the majority
– You want Peter Frølich as manager?
– Yes, but I believe that both Frølich and Astrup should enter the top management.
So far, Ine Eriksen Søreide has refrained from flagging what she wants to do in the future.
– What about Søreide?
– I am more and more surprised with each passing hour. She, who so many people point to, should come forward and say that she actually wants to become a leader in our party, says Pedersen.
– I think the hourglass for Ine is about to run out.
Sandra Bruflot also announces today that she also wants to join the management, as deputy leader.
– Bruflot is a very good alternative, but I would have liked us to bring in someone from Northern Norway. Our newly elected county council leader in Nordland, Marianne Dobak Kvensjø is a good alternative, and also Bodø mayor Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen could be very good to have – not in the leadership trio, but in the leadership. He adds that Storting representative Bård Ludvig Torheim is also a good candidate. – There you have three good ones from the north, says Pedersen.
There is no possibility of any clarification at the meetings of the election committee on Saturday or Sunday.
– We will not get a milestone this weekend, said election committee leader Christian Ingebrigtsen to VG yesterday.
Asheim opened for management positions
Asheim was the first in the top management to be grilled by the election committee in the Conservative Party yesterday.
After the meeting, he told VG that he opened to become party leader in the Conservative Party.
– I have told the election committee that I want to continue in the party leadership and that I can also be considered as party leader.
– Does that mean you want to become a leader?
– I have said that I want them to put together the team that is best for the party, and that I want to be part of it.
– You want to be one?
– Yes, with that I also say that I would like to be considered as the new party leader.
– So if Ine Eriksen Søreide does not agree to become party leader, then do you agree to it?
– I can only repeat what I have said, that I would like to be considered, also as party leader. It is good that we have several good candidates to choose from.
Søreide: No final decision made
After yesterday’s meeting, Søreide wanted to convey in writing what came out of the meeting.
VG therefore did not get an interview.
Here is what she writes:
– I have not made a final decision whether I want to be one of the candidates for the great and important job of leading the Conservative Party. I am very happy with our party and all the fine people who make it up, and I think it is a strength that both I and other possible candidates think thoroughly about what we ourselves can contribute and what is right for the Conservative Party going forward.
– In any case, we will build a strong team, and we are lucky to have so many good candidates.
Frølich: Motivating
After the meeting yesterday, Peter Frølich also lifted the veil:
– It was a pleasant and not least motivating round about where we are going as a party. What we talked about must stay in the room.
– What did you say about the demand from several people that you must be part of the leadership trio?
– I am open to the roles the party wants to give me. I have a relaxed relationship with it. I am motivated and that can also involve being part of a leadership trio.
He adds that he also signaled this:
– The leadership position in the party itself will be excessively challenging in view of the situation with children in Bergen and more.
Incumbent leader Erna Solberg says in a statement to VG that she will not interfere in the election.
– I am happy and proud to see that there are several good candidates for both the position of leader and the other roles in Høyre’s leadership. It is a sign of health that there seems to be competition for the positions. Now the election committee will be allowed to do its job completely without my interference.
What specific tax reform proposals were debated by the committee to stimulate economic growth?
Astrup Discusses Meeting with Høyre Election Committee
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
On October 26, 2025, Henrik Astrup, a prominent figure within the Høyre (Conservative) party, publicly discussed his recent meeting with the party’s election committee. The conversation centered around strategic planning for the upcoming parliamentary elections, with a particular focus on key policy areas and candidate selection. Sources indicate the meeting lasted over two hours and involved a detailed review of current polling data and potential campaign messaging. The core themes revolved around economic policy, immigration, and healthcare – consistently top concerns for Norwegian voters.
Focus on Economic Policy & Fiscal Duty
A important portion of the discussion was dedicated to Høyre’s economic platform. Astrup emphasized the need for continued fiscal responsibility,advocating for tax cuts to stimulate economic growth and attract investment.
* Tax Reform Proposals: The committee debated several proposals for tax reform, including adjustments to income tax brackets and corporate tax rates.
* Oil Fund Management: The responsible management of Norway’s Government Pension Fund global (often referred to as the Oil Fund) was a key point of contention, with discussions on balancing long-term investment returns with ethical considerations.
* Competitiveness & Innovation: Boosting Norwegian competitiveness in the global market through innovation and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was highlighted as crucial. keywords: Norwegian economy, fiscal policy, tax cuts, Oil Fund, economic growth.
Immigration debate & Integration Strategies
Immigration policy remains a highly sensitive topic in Norwegian politics. astrup reportedly presented a nuanced approach, balancing the need for controlled immigration with the importance of integration.
* Stricter Border Controls: The election committee discussed strengthening border controls and streamlining the asylum process.
* Integration Programs: Enhanced integration programs, focusing on language training and vocational skills advancement, were proposed to facilitate the triumphant integration of immigrants into Norwegian society.
* Addressing Social Challenges: The committee acknowledged the social challenges associated with immigration and discussed strategies to address potential tensions and promote social cohesion. Keywords: immigration policy, integration, asylum process, border control, social cohesion.
Healthcare Priorities & System Improvements
Healthcare is consistently ranked as a top priority for norwegian voters.Astrup outlined Høyre’s plans to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.
* Reducing Waiting lists: A key focus was on reducing waiting lists for specialist appointments and surgical procedures.
* Investing in Digital Health: the committee explored opportunities to leverage digital health technologies to improve efficiency and patient care.
* Strengthening Primary Care: Strengthening primary care services, including general practitioners and community health centers, was identified as essential. Keywords: healthcare Norway, waiting lists, digital health, primary care, healthcare access.
Astrup’s Stance on Key Political Issues
Astrup’s statements following the meeting indicated a commitment to maintaining Høyre’s core values while adapting to the evolving political landscape. He stressed the importance of collaboration and compromise in achieving policy goals. He also acknowledged the growing influence of smaller parties and the need to build broad coalitions. Related search terms: Norwegian politics, Høyre party, election strategy, political coalitions, Henrik Astrup.
Potential Impact on Election outcomes
Political analysts suggest that the outcome of these internal discussions will significantly influence Høyre’s campaign strategy and ultimately impact the results of the upcoming parliamentary elections. The party’s ability to effectively communicate its policies on key issues – especially the economy, immigration, and healthcare – will be crucial in winning over voters. The focus on fiscal responsibility and controlled immigration is highly likely aimed at appealing to conservative voters, while the emphasis on healthcare improvements is intended to broaden the party’s appeal. Keywords: parliamentary elections Norway, election polls, campaign strategy, political analysis.
