Ine Eriksen Søreide has confirmed she will seek the leadership of Norway's Conservative Party and potentially become the party's candidate for prime minister. The former defense and foreign minister told broadcasters she made the decision after careful consideration.
"This is a major decision, and it's a very significant responsibility I'm prepared to take," Søreide stated. "I'm doing this out of genuine desire. You cannot take such a role merely out of duty."
The leadership contest within the Conservative Party has been underway for months, with many party members eagerly awaiting Søreide's decision. Her announcement creates a clear frontrunner in the race to succeed former Prime Minister Erna Solberg as party leader.
Søreide brings substantial political experience to the role. She served as defense minister from 2013 to 2017 and as foreign minister from 2017 to 2021 during Solberg's government. Currently, she chairs the parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs and defense.
When asked about her leadership style, Søreide emphasized her personal approach. "I believe there's broad acceptance for being personal without necessarily being very private," she explained. "I love people, enjoy hugs and use humor – but I've always been most focused on policy rather than personality."
Regarding her vision for the party's direction, Søreide stated the Conservatives should not become "a poor copy of parties to our left or right." She emphasized the party's liberal conservative values and commitment to governance competence while maintaining a critical perspective on existing systems.
"In the world we live in now, it's important that we dare to question established truths, dare to challenge, and dare to be system-critical," she elaborated. "When things don't work, we must actually examine why and change systems so they function for people."
Current deputy leader Henrik Asheim immediately endorsed Søreide's candidacy and withdrew his own leadership bid. "Ine stands strong within the party, but even more importantly, she enjoys great trust among the public," Asheim stated. "I wholeheartedly support her candidacy as leader and prime minister candidate for the Conservative Party."
Other potential candidates including Nikolai Astrup had previously expressed interest in the leadership role. Their positions following Søreide's announcement remain unclear, though the competition for deputy leader positions appears to be intensifying with four candidates emerging for two available spots.
Peter Frølich, one of those deputy leadership candidates, expressed strong support for Søreide. "She has my full support and will become an exceptional leader for the Conservative Party – and later prime minister for Norway," he said.
Søreide's political career spans decades, with her name frequently mentioned for senior positions since 2004. She has been described as the party's "eternal crown princess" due to her long-standing prominence without previously seeking the top leadership role.
The leadership transition comes as Norway faces significant security policy challenges and economic pressures. Søreide highlighted these concerns, stating, "We must prioritize and be clear in our policies." Her extensive foreign policy and defense background positions her as a strong voice on international matters during uncertain geopolitical times.
This leadership contest represents a generational shift for Norway's Conservative Party, with Søreide potentially becoming the first woman to lead the party since Erna Solberg. The outcome will shape Norwegian conservative politics for years and determine the opposition's direction against the current Labour-led government.