Liberal Leader Guri Melby Addresses Concerns Over Ukraine and China in National Speech

Liberal leader Guri Melby addresses his party at the Liberal Party’s national conference in Trondheim today.

The war in Ukraine and the West’s relationship with China are given a lot of space in the speech.

– We must not forget that when Putin entered Ukraine, it was because he had a new democracy on his doorstep. Freedom got closer, the alternative to his regime got closer. A free, democratic Ukraine challenged Putin’s position in Russia, says Melby.

– That’s why I’m absolutely sure that Putin hates the Norwegian school, she adds, and points out that the school system in Norway is founded on equal opportunities for everyone – something she believes Russia’s brutal leader doesn’t think much of.

Ukrainian victory

The left-wing leader says she is concerned that the war in Ukraine is becoming increasingly brutal in its nature.

– As the Ukrainians have disproved all predictions of a quick Russian victory, Putin’s war has become more brutal. The Wagner group rampages unrestrained. Desperate Russian forces are thrown against the front line by their own. But the Ukrainian army stands tall. They fight back and fight not just for survival, but for victory, says Melby.

She believes the West is now at a crossroads in history.

– The only acceptable way forward is the one where Ukraine wins the war against Russia. For himself and for all the rest of us. The left will do everything in our power for Ukraine to win. That democracy wins. And that the people of Ukraine get the freedom they deserve.

Claims Putin will receive chemotherapy

China’s role

She is also worried about China, and the power that is gathering among the communist elites in Beijing. China uses economics and power supply as political weapons, argues Melby – and points in particular to China’s role in renewable energy.

– Russia uses trade in raw materials as a weapon, and Europe is affected. China is building up on renewable energy, and Western countries are left as dependents, she says.

– China uses economic power to control other countries. They are now the market leader in solar cells and rare metals needed for green technology. The only responsible goal, that is to spread power. We must reduce the power China has – and give ourselves greater security, says Guri Melby further.