– In recent years, we have spent a lot of time on internal discussions, especially around government participation in 2018. Although we have put it behind us, we must recognize that it has affected the party that we became as divided as we actually became, it was demanding , she says to news. Former KrFU leader Ida Lindtveit Røse from Oppegård in Viken now wants to become the new deputy leader of the party. County leader in Agder Jorunn Gleditsch-Lossius from Lillesand also does this. The battle between the two will be decided at KrF’s national meeting in the spring. Røse does not mince words when describing KrF’s problems: – It is demanding to be in government, to make compromises and agree to things that you do not fully agree with. Then there have been changes in leadership, which have also affected the party. TOP OF THE PARTY: Ida Lindtveit Røse already has a long career as one of KrF’s central shop stewards. Now she wants to become deputy leader. Photo: Kristian Skårdalsmo / news – A little too much time arguing internally and a little too little time talking about politics? – It has been, acknowledges Røse, and adds: – So you can say that it was necessary in many ways. And by all means: A political party consists of people with different opinions, so there must be discussions. But then you should be able to be in the KrF, even if you disagree with the majority on various issues. In 2018, Knut Arild Hareide wanted KrF to cooperate with the red-green side, but resigned when he lost the general election. The heir Kjell Ingolf Ropstad resigned just before the election in 2021 after revelations of commuter housing corruption. Now it is Olaug Bollestad who is responsible for getting the KrF ship on the right track again. She does not wish to comment on the statements from Røse. Down for the count For the first time since the war, KrF disappeared below the threshold in the autumn 2021 election. And there the party has remained ever since: In news’s smoking fresh opinion poll, the party only receives support from 3.5 percent of voters. Party barometer February What would you vote for if there were a general election? Compared to January.Party Support Change31.0%HøyreH+0.117.5%Labor PartyAP−1.914.5%Progress PartyFRP+2.68.8%Socialist Left PartySV+0.46.0%RedR+0.65.4%Center PartySP−0.54 .9%VenstreV−0.24.0%Miljøpartiet De GrønneMDG03.5%Kristelig FolkepartiKRF+0.94.3%AndreAndre−1.9986 interviews conducted in the period 25.1.23–31.1.23. Margins of error from 1.1–3.5 pp. Source: Norstat for news and Aftenposten – We are below the blocking limit, and that is not where we should be. But instead of being demotivated by it, I think the vast majority have been motivated by it and have a desire to roll up their sleeves and take the party over the barrier, says Røse. – I think KrF’s long-term goal should be somewhere between 6 and 8 percent or higher. That is my goal. Deep dissatisfaction Failing opinion polls and an election that went completely wrong are not, however, the only problems KrF has struggled with. Last autumn, news documented some of the internal challenges through several articles: – We have to listen to our members and take the answers we get to heart, says Røse. – The debate around abortion will be about whether the right to self-determined abortion should be extended to week 18 or later. Here, KrF’s clear position is that we are against an extension to ensure current legal protection for unborn life, she says. She points out that it is not a given where parties such as the Labor Party and the Conservative Party land in value debates about surrogacy, active euthanasia and substance abuse. – KrF can be decisive for whether this becomes law. Therefore, KrFs must be present, and that we must fight for increased support and influence to ensure human dignity in the future as well. Three core areas Røse now wants to develop new policy, strengthen the organization and secure new recruitment in order to speed up KrF again. She highlights three areas where she believes the KrF has a role to play as an alternative to both the right and the left: Family policy: – Families and children’s upbringing are the most important things we can ensure as politicians. Then we must strengthen families, give them time and flexibility and the opportunity to be together and decide for themselves about their own everyday life. Elderly care: – There is a crisis in elderly care. People expect politicians who actually take responsibility and don’t push it onto others. The KrF are prepared to take that responsibility in the municipalities. We must secure more healthcare workers and nurses into the profession. Business policy: – We have a government that in a very short time has created enormous instability and uncertainty for Norwegian companies and Norwegian owners. We want to do something about that, to ensure local jobs and local value creation. DEPUTY LEADER COMPETITION: Jorunn Gleditsch Lossius also wants to become part of KrF’s leadership trio. Photo: Jil Yngland / NTB Vice-chairman’s contest The one place as deputy chairperson in KrF became vacant when Ingelin Noresjø from Nordland resigned last year. Recently, both Røse and Gleditsch Lossius clarified that they want to become part of KrF’s leadership trio. – I will continue to fight against the left’s zeal for overriding family, religious communities and voluntary and non-profit actors, said Lossius to news. – At the same time, I see the importance of KrF having a clear voice in matters of value. All surveys show that precisely that is very important to KrF’s members and voters. I think I have what it takes to both look after traditional voters and bring in new ones, she says. KrF’s national meeting will be held on 21–23 April.
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Criticizes internal bickering – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
