After five and a half years at the heart of Norway's political power, Cato Husabø Fossen, the Conservative Party's chief spin doctor, is leaving as Høyre grapples with internal turmoil. His departure coincides with outgoing leader Erna Solberg's exit, marking the end of an era for a party that recently faced scandal after a historic electoral high.
The Architect of Political Narrative
Cato Husabø Fossen served as one of Erna Solberg's closest advisors, a role he describes as demanding but rewarding. He operated from the shadows, never stepping before cameras but always positioned mere steps from Solberg during her leadership. Fossen's career began in political journalism before he crossed to what he calls 'the other side' in 2020, taking on the formal title of communications chief while mastering the informal art of political spin.
His methodology for handling negative press is meticulous. 'If you want to kill a negative story, you start by asking many of the same control questions as in a newsroom,' Fossen explained. He focuses on fact-checking, documentation, and adherence to press ethics, aiming to protect individuals' rights by challenging journalists' premises. 'Yes, I have succeeded in stopping many negative news stories,' he admitted, 'but only those that should not have been published.'
Mastering Damage Control
Fossen's role often involved crafting the brief, written statements that appeared at the bottom of articles when Høyre members made mistakes. 'I think we should be honest enough to say that for stories with exclusively upside, it's natural for politicians to front the issue themselves,' he noted. This behind-the-scenes work required a deep understanding of media dynamics, a skill honed during his years as a reporter.
He reflected on the cyclical nature of politics, where successes can quickly unravel. The job, he said, was about maintaining a balance between accepting critical journalism and safeguarding the party's interests. His approach was not about suppressing legitimate scrutiny but ensuring factual accuracy and ethical reporting in coverage that could damage reputations.
A Party's Rollercoaster Ride
The timing of Fossen's exit underscores Høyre's recent volatile trajectory. He witnessed what he called a 'historic' municipal election in 2023, where the Conservative Party surpassed the Labour Party in size for the first time in 99 years. That triumph was swiftly overshadowed by the Sindre Finnes case, involving stock purchases by Erna Solberg's husband, which dominated media headlines and public discourse.
Fossen pointed to this incident as a prime example of how quickly political fortunes can shift. 'You think of Sindre Finnes's stock purchases,' he said when prompted, acknowledging the case's impact. Days after the electoral victory, Høyre was immersed in a media storm, testing Fossen's crisis management skills. The party's ability to navigate such scandals relied heavily on advisors like him crafting responses and mitigating fallout.
Departing with Solberg
Fossen's decision to leave is intimately tied to Erna Solberg's resignation. 'It feels right to step down now. Five years is a long time. It's an exciting job, but a taxing existence. So, it feels like a perfect time to leave together with Erna,' he stated. His five-and-a-half-year tenure covered the transition out of government, through election campaigns, and into opposition, making his exit a natural conclusion to this chapter.
He described the period as a 'good work shift,' having followed Solberg closely since before the party left government. The consistency of his role provided stability, but the accumulated pressure of constant readiness for political firefighting contributed to his choice. His departure removes a key pillar of Høyre's communications strategy as the party seeks new leadership.
Analyzing the Void Left Behind
Fossen's exit raises questions about Høyre's capacity to manage future crises without his expertise. His specialized skill set in 'killing' negative stories through rigorous media interrogation is not easily replaced. The party now faces the dual challenge of finding a new leader and rebuilding its communications apparatus during a period of scrutiny.
The Sindre Finnes saga demonstrated how rapidly public perception can deteriorate, a scenario Fossen was adept at containing. Without him, Høyre may struggle to apply the same level of disciplined, question-based pushback against unfavorable coverage. This could leave the party more vulnerable in the intense Norwegian political landscape, where media narratives often shape electoral outcomes.
His legacy includes a record of protecting party figures while upholding press standards, a delicate balance he maintained by emphasizing factual rigor. As Høyre moves forward, it must decide whether to adopt a similar approach or shift its communication tactics entirely. The loss of such a seasoned operator coincides with a need for renewal, presenting both risk and opportunity.
The Future of Political Spin in Norway
What does the departure of a top spin doctor reveal about the state of Norwegian politics? Fossen's career arc, from journalist to insider, highlights the blurred lines between media and political operations in modern governance. His exit with Solberg suggests a cleansing of the old guard, potentially opening doors for new strategies in how Høyre engages with the public and press.
As the Conservative Party regroups, the absence of Fossen's steady hand in crisis moments will be felt. His method—rooted in journalistic principles turned inward for defense—may inspire successors or fade as a relic of a particular political era. The coming months will test whether Høyre can maintain its narrative control without the man who mastered the art from the shadows.