As is tradition, the national meeting was opened with the national anthem shortly after 1 p.m.
Solberg has soon been party leader in the Conservative Party for 19 years, and takes the podium with unusually strong opinion polls behind him and applause from the audience.
But the business world is far from happy with the party, and reacts to the fact that the Conservative Party has not come out more clearly against the fact that the Støre government has increased the tax burden and introduced new special taxes.
A dozen financial leaders have fled to Switzerland, while DN has mentioned that foreign investor communities are shocked by the special taxes.
– Many investors now say that they no longer have confidence in Norwegian framework conditions. This applies to both Norwegian investors, who say they would rather invest in our neighboring countries, says Solberg, and continues:
– And that applies to foreigners, who feel that they are no longer wanted in Norway. This is critical.
Asking for calm for the companies
She points out that foreign embassies have contacted the government to speak for the investors.
– An important goal for the Conservative Party going forward will be to regain the trust in Norway that has been lost.
She then took a shot at the Støre government:
– When there is unrest outside, politics must contribute to less unrest here at home, says Solberg, and goes on to say that she has spoken to companies.
– No one has asked for funnier politicians. What they ask for is predictability.
Støre: – Black painter
Prime Minister Jona Gahr Støre tells NRK in Brussels that he did not hear the entire national assembly speech, but he rejects the criticism that trust in Norway has weakened.
– I did not hear any alternative solutions to the challenges Norway is facing right now, he says.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) with Equinor CEO Anders Opedal. Støre believes that the Conservative Party is wrong in that confidence in the Norwegian economy has weakened.
Photo: Ole Berg-Rusten / NTB
He believes the message is not in line with the figures, and points to the fact that investment in Norway is increasing and that the labor market is tight.
– Last year, 100,000 jobs were created, the vast majority in private industry. She paints that picture black. We who now stand in the time of crisis to take Norway safely through, should be able to expect her to describe the conditions as they are. And they are not that dark, he says.
– So the criticism is completely out of thin air?
– She is in the opposition, and can present this as she wants. She wants to return to a tax policy that will increase differences in Norway. We are against that. We think it’s bad for business as well, he says.
WATCH THE FULL SPEECH TO SOLBERG HERE FROM 1.30pm:
– Signs of a new war
Solberg devoted a large part of his speech to recalling the gloomy situation in Europe.
– As last year, we are gathering at the same time that the situation in our part of the world is serious, says Solberg.
Solberg emphasized that the Conservative Party must be a guarantor that Norway supports Ukraine.
– Ukraine must know that they still have Norway at their back and that they will have it as long as necessary.
Solberg further describes that tension is increasing in the Middle East, and also says that North Korea and China are increasing their arsenals of nuclear weapons.
– Increasingly, we see undemocratic countries such as Russia, China and Iran getting together. We are seeing signs that a new iron curtain is descending. Signs of a new cold war, she says.
Solberg believes Norway must prepare for times of more unrest, and strengthen preparedness.
– For the Conservative Party, it will be important to listen to professional advice on how the Armed Forces can best be organized to protect our democracy. But let me be absolutely clear about the most important thing: Norway’s defense must be greatly strengthened, she says.
– And we must all, both companies, the public sector and everyone in our everyday lives, think about the fact that more difficult times may lie ahead. That we have to prepare for the fact that it could brew up into a storm.
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Will not close the door to China
But that does not mean that Norway will stop buying goods from these countries, according to Solberg. In the past there has been a discussion in the Conservative Party about the relationship with China.
– We should keep trade routes open. Make sure that most Chinese can see what a free society is, she says.
– But we must be careful that we do not become dependent on China when the storm is brewing.
Solberg on the EU: – Norway’s place is at the table
Solberg also emphasizes that Norway’s relationship with the EU will become more important in the future – and advocated that Norway should be a member.
– In case after case it turns out that it would be in Norway’s interest to be in the EU, she stated.
– Norway’s place in Europe is at the table. Together with our closest friends. Together with the other democracies, said Solberg.
– And with the hand on the wheel that determines where Europe – and thus also Norway – is headed.
Will allow older people to work longer
Safety is also a key word when Solberg describes the challenges in Norway. She wants more people in work, and better care for the elderly.
– The right-wing is going to the polls for a more age-friendly society. It is about much more than care, she says, who believes that it is unrealistic for people with dementia to live at home.
– Where the Right governs, it should simply be good to grow old.
– And to be completely honest: The forced retirement of sharp and healthy 70-year-olds must end, she said to applause.
The Conservative Party will debate this
Right-wing politicians from all over the country are sitting in the hall at the Thon Hotel in Gardermoen to take part in this weekend’s political workshop. In addition, politicians from sister parties in Scandinavia are present.
Several burning issues will be discussed throughout the weekend:
- Salmon tax: Strong forces in the Conservative Party demand that the party must go harder and reject ground rent tax on aquaculture. But other voices in the party support the tax. Billionaires have warned the Conservative Party against supporting the government.
- Mobile ban: The Conservative Party believes that mobile phone use in school is unfortunate, and will debate how far children’s mobile phone use should be regulated.
- Electrification: Internally in the Conservative Party, the politicians disagree on whether all the oil and gas fields along the coast can be electrified according to plan when Norway is heading towards a power shortage.
- Nuclear power: Should Norway plan to get power from nuclear power plants? And should interests that work for nuclear power receive support for research? Five proposals at the national meeting are about nuclear power.
