Lars Haltbrekken Eyes Deputy Leadership Role in Norway’s Socialist Left Party
In a surprising turn of events, Torgeir knag Fylkesnes, the outgoing deputy leader of Norway’s Socialist Left Party (SV), announced he would not seek re-election. this decision has opened the door for Lars Haltbrekken, a prominent environmentalist and Storting politician, to step into the spotlight.
Haltbrekken, a 53-year-old from Trondheim, has confirmed his intention to run for the deputy leader position at the party’s upcoming national meeting. “I have decided to stand for election as deputy leader at the national meeting, if the party wants it,” Haltbrekken told NRK.
A seasoned environmental advocate, Haltbrekken has been a key figure in Norwegian politics since his election to the Storting in 2017. His reputation was cemented during his tenure as the leader of the Norwegian Nature Conservation Association, where he championed environmental causes. “I joined Nature and youth in 1988 because I was worried about the ozone hole,” he shared, reflecting on his long-standing commitment to environmental issues.
Despite his influential role, Haltbrekken narrowly missed securing the deputy leadership two years ago, losing to Marian hussein by a slim margin of 101 to 114 votes. When asked why he believes this time will be different, Haltbrekken responded with a smile, “Aren’t all good things two, then? or was it three?”
Haltbrekken remains confident in the party’s environmental agenda, regardless of his leadership role. “I didn’t get into the party leadership last time, but we’ve had important environmental impact since then. SV’s environmental profile does not depend on one person or me,” he stated.
The race for deputy leader is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for SV, as the party seeks to maintain its environmental focus and strengthen its leadership team.
| Key Details |
|——————|
| Candidate | Lars Haltbrekken |
| position | Deputy Leader of SV |
| Background | Storting politician, former leader of the Norwegian Nature Conservation Association |
| Previous Attempt | Lost to Marian hussein in 2023 (101-114 votes) |
| Current Status | Confirmed candidacy for 2025 national meeting |
As the Socialist left Party prepares for its national meeting, all eyes are on Haltbrekken and his bid to secure the deputy leadership. Will this be his moment to lead? Only time will tell.
Lars Haltbrekken Eyes Leadership Role in SV Amid Party Shakeup
Lars Haltbrekken, a prominent figure in Norway’s socialist Left Party (SV), is positioning himself for a leadership role as the party prepares for a significant leadership transition. haltbrekken, who previously lost the deputy leadership race to marian Hussein two years ago, is now being backed by the Oslo SV county board for the deputy chairman position.
SV’s Central Role in Norwegian Politics
In the current parliamentary term, SV has played a pivotal role as the government’s permanent budget partner. This central position has allowed the party to influence key policies, especially in environmental and social justice areas. Haltbrekken emphasizes SV’s dual focus on environmental advocacy and equitable resource distribution, stating, “SV is the party that best leads the environmental fight forward, while at the same time helping to ensure a fair distribution of the financial resources in society.”
Haltbrekken highlights SV’s recent achievements, including increased child benefits, free after-school care, and the successful halt of seabed mining plans last autumn. “I would like to be part of the management and take this work forward. SV makes a significant difference to people and the environment,” he added.
Leadership Race Heats Up
the SV election committee has extended its deadline for recommending a new party leadership from February 3 to February 7. While it remains unclear if othre candidates will emerge from the county teams, the Oslo SV county board has already thrown its support behind Haltbrekken. The final decision will be made at the national meeting scheduled for March 14-16.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Candidate | Lars Haltbrekken |
| Position Sought | Deputy Chairman of SV |
| Support | Backed by Oslo SV county board |
| Key Achievements | Increased child benefits, free after-school care, halted seabed mining |
| Leadership Election | National meeting on March 14-16 |
Haltbrekken’s Vision for SV
Haltbrekken’s campaign is built on his track record of advocating for environmental sustainability and social equity. His leadership bid reflects a desire to continue SV’s impactful work in shaping Norway’s political landscape. As the party prepares for its national meeting, all eyes will be on whether Haltbrekken can secure the deputy chairman role and help steer SV’s future direction.
For more updates on Norway’s political developments, follow NRK.
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Photo: Alf Simensen / NTBsignificant Changes in SV Leadership as Key Figures Step Down
The Socialist Left Party (SV) is undergoing a major transformation as several prominent members announce their departure from the Storting. Deputy leader Torgeir knag Fylkesnes recently revealed he will not seek re-election, marking a significant shift in the party’s parliamentary group. This decision means that half of SV’s current representatives will not return for the next term.
Former party leader Audun Lysbakken, former fiscal spokesperson Kari Elisabeth Kaski, and members Freddy André Øvstegård, Mona Fagerås, and Birgit Oline Kjerstad have also confirmed they will not seek re-election. These departures signal a generational shift within the party, which is currently led by Kirsti Bergstø and deputy leader Marian Hussein.
Amid these changes, Sunniva Holmås Eidsvoll, Oslo SV leader, has highlighted the importance of experienced leadership. She described Haltbrekken as a “visible and skilled politician for SV with solid leadership experience.” This sentiment is echoed in Bergen, where SV leader Audun Syltevik praised Haltbrekken as a “huge profile on climate and environmental policy.”
The party’s focus on climate and environmental issues remains a cornerstone of its platform, with Haltbrekken’s expertise likely to play a pivotal role in shaping future policies.
| Key Departures from SV’s Parliamentary Group |
|————————————————–|
| Torgeir Knag Fylkesnes (Deputy Leader) |
| Audun Lysbakken (Former Party Leader) |
| Kari Elisabeth Kaski (Former Fiscal Spokesperson)|
| Freddy André Øvstegård |
| Mona Fagerås |
| Birgit Oline Kjerstad |
as SV navigates this period of transition, the party’s ability to retain its core values while embracing new leadership will be crucial.the upcoming elections will test the party’s resilience and its capacity to adapt to a changing political landscape.
For more insights into SV’s evolving strategy, listen to the latest discussions on NRK’s podcast.
