Henrik Asheim Withdraws Candidacy if Søreide Seeks Conservative Leadership

Henrik Asheim will drop his bid to lead Norway's Conservative Party if Ine Eriksen Søreide enters the race. He confirmed this position in a recent media interview. Asheim stated he would support Søreide if she declares interest in the top role. He believes she presents a strong alternative for party leadership. The Conservative election committee met last weekend with several key figures. Potential candidates for senior positions attended individual meetings. Søreide met with the committee but has not yet decided on pursuing the leadership. She previously served as Norway's foreign minister and defense minister. So far only Asheim and Nikolai Astrup have publicly announced their leadership bids. Both seek to replace former Prime Minister Erna Solberg. The party faces internal discussions about its direction after Solberg's long tenure. This leadership transition comes amid shifting political dynamics in Norway. The Conservative Party remains one of Norway's two dominant political forces. Its new leader will help shape the opposition against the current center-left government.