Ms. Skei Grande follows Mr. Lars Sponheim, the longest-sitting leader of the party since Prime Minister Gunnar Knudsen, who chaired from 1909 until 1927. Mr. Sponheim has been party leader since 1996, and has been one of the most pronounced and controversial characters in Norwegian politics for one and a half decade, at times being critized for having an ego larger than the party he chaired.
Sulphur and Ashes
"It is a very peculiar situation to come to this Congress, my last as party leader, and at the same time sulphur and ashes are raining over this country," Mr. Sponheim said in his last speech, to great amusement among the delegates. He was obviously referring to the volcanic eruption and ash cloud from Iceland, which led to great problems with aviation all around Europe the same weekend. Sponheim has led his party into two governments, although on a very limited parliamentary basis, and has been respected as a political achiever.
Ideology
Ms. Skei Grande delivered a very ideological inauguration speech that left the entire press impressed with her rhetorical talent. She also made several concrete promises for what Venstre will deliver in the years to come.
1 Billion NOK for 5 Focus Areas
"Each year we will prioritize 1 billion NOK more to more teachers, one to more research, one to small businesses, one to the railways and one to fight poverty. In addition we will propose a powerful change from a red to a green tax system. And we will do it by making priorities in the budget, not by raising taxes," Ms. Skei Grande could tell, thus hammering out the partys main focus: Environment, education and social responsibility.
Norway Needs Liberal Reforms
The Congress made clear political statements regarding the state of Norwegian politics and Venstres future role. "Norwegian politics need a stronger liberal centre with a clear political will. After the parliamentary election in 2009, Norwegian politics have entered a political vacuum and a stronger division between two blocks. Both facts are very regrettable. If Norway is to avoid lagging behind, it is imminent to make the necessary priorities and moves. Norway needs a new course toward a green, knowledge-based economy and a better welfare society. Norway must immediately take steps to create a low-emission society and make large commitments to education, research and a renewal of Norwegian business," the Congress declared in a resolution.
Inspirational LibDem Surge
Venstre also took great inspiration from the UK Liberal Democrats sensationally good polls the same weekend. "We have learned a lot from the LibDems", Ms. Skei Grande declared. "They have also had their challenges for a number of years, and I believe we can learn from their way of working." Ms. Skei Grande is known to be an eager advocate for more involvement from Venstre in Liberal International and ELDR.
Facts
Trine Skei Grande is one of the Liberal Partys two Members of Parliament, having been parliamentary leader after a disappointing election result in 2009, resulting in the party finishing below the threshold for national levelling mandates. She has been MP from the Oslo constituency since 2001, deputy leader since 2000 and member of the partys executive committee since 1990. As deputy leaders were elected Mr. Helge Solum Larsen from Stavanger and Mr. Ola Elvestuen from Oslo.