Norwegian parliament member Nikolai Astrup has declared his intention to become the next leader of the Conservative Party. He informed the party's selection committee of his candidacy during what he described as a long and productive conversation.
Astrup stated he is prepared to lead the Conservative Party if members support his bid. He served as Development Minister, Digitalization Minister, and Local Government Minister in Erna Solberg's previous administration.
The lawmaker currently acts as the Conservative Party's financial policy spokesperson. He also holds a position on the parliamentary finance committee.
Astrup becomes the second prominent Conservative to seek the leadership role. Party deputy leader Henrik Asheim previously announced his own candidacy. Both men serve together on the finance committee.
This leadership contest comes as Norway's Conservative Party seeks to regain momentum after recent electoral challenges. The party faces the task of uniting different factions while developing policies that appeal to both traditional supporters and younger voters.
The selection process will test whether party members prefer Astrup's government experience or Asheim's established position within the party hierarchy. The outcome could shape Norwegian conservative politics for years.