2009 Socialist Left Party national convention

2009 Socialist Left Party March 19–22 150 Svoppavsofaen1.jpg 150 Bård Vegar Solhjell 04.jpg The two newly appointed deputy leaders, (1st) Audun Lysbakken and (2nd) Bård Vegar Solhjell Scandic Bergen City HotellBergen People's House Bergen, Hordaland Kristin Halvorsen (1st) Audun Lysbakken(2nd) Bård Vegar Solhjell Silje Schei Tveitdal 208 The 2009 national convention of the Socialist Left Party of Norway was held from March 19–22 at the Scandic Bergen City Hotell and Bergen People's House in the city of Bergen, Hordaland. 208 delegates attended the convention. Fakta om SVs landsmøte Norwegian News Agency March 19, 2009 Background By early 2009 signs showed that Kristin Halvorsen was supported by the majority of the party, even when the party was losing many ideological battles in government. Storvik, Kaja Kristins triumfferd Dagsavisen March 21, 2009 4 Discussion on whether to leave the Red-Green Coalition was seen as dead by many news commentators, with Solhjell sharing his belief that the only viable option is to be in government so they can be a part of the decision making, saying there are no longer anyone who are scared of "minister socialism". Spence, Thomas "SV skal fortsette i regjering, også om vi taper flertallet" Aftenposten March 18, 2009 4 Convention 1st day The convention started with a speech from Kristin Halvorsen. Fakta Nationen 4 March 21, 2009 In the speech, she was highly critical of plans for oil drilling in Lofoten og Vesterålen, saying it would be impossible for the party to sit in a government supporting such environmental hazard policies. Sier nei til oljeboring Klassekampen March 20, 2009 Horn, Anders Sjøli, Hans Petter Akerhaug, Terje Her speech was criticized by some for using big words such as "market fundamentalism is playing a dangerous game" without giving clear answers. The newspaper Dagens Næringsliv noted that she skipped over topics such as nationalization, government involvement in the economy and even privatization in favour of discussing environmental issues. 12 Kristins turn & kalkun Dagens Næringsliv March 20, 2009 Alstadheim, Kjetil B. 2nd day thumb|right|Solheim holding his speech to the convention The second day included speeches from former party leader Erik Solheim and sitting deputy leader Audun Lysbakken. One commentator called Lysbakken's speech "sparkling" and noted increased attention when he held the speech. Among the topics he talked about was a "renaissance" of more government involvement in the economy and a future climate crisis. Stanghelle, Harald Regjeringens liv - og SVs lære Aftenposten 6 March 21, 2009 The new party program was described by the media as "radical" and "expansionist", however the question most asked themselves were how much of their program would be included in Soria Moria II. Lysbakken then presented his proposed new party program, which was applauded by the convention audience. Before he presented the program, he said;Lode, Veslemøy Glomnes, Lars Moltenberg "I dag er nok Audun nummer én. Han er den med mest sjarm og best velgertekke.". Dagbladet 6 March 21, 2009 This party program displays a party which is as tough as ever. It shows that we take on two tasks in Norwegian politics, that we should take on the job of achieving results in the short term and compromise, and get things for our electorate. It shows that we take two roles in Norwegian politics; that we should take on the job of achieving results in the short term and compromise, and get things done for our electorate. It shows that we should retain as a society critical party, a rebel party and a party that is not satisfied with short-term goals which will always wish to be something more. It is still us. Audun Lysbakken regarding the new party program Solheim's speech focused on technological research and development to meet the upcoming climate crisis. He controversially stated that the government should take more "political control over Statoil," so that it could move the company into a more environment friendly direction. SVs kamp mot oljen Adresseavisen 2 March 21, 2009 3rd day left|thumb|Halvorsen (as seen in 2009) was skeptical towards the clause of banning all private schools On the third day, the convention voted to stop all public funding to religious institutions in Norway. This decision led to accusations from the Christian Democratic Party that the party was "totalitarian" and anti-religious. Lorentsen, André Totalitære holdninger fra SV Norwegian News Agency March 22, 2009 In response, Halvorsen argued that "The reason for the decision is a strong desire to give all children a common platform. We fear a trend in which children with the same background are on their own denominational schools. It will inhibit inclusion". Solhjell when commenting on the situation said; "The Government's current policies remain unchanged, and options should be allowed. But it should be done within the framework of public held assets". The goal, according to many high-level party members, was to abolish such religious schools within the guidelines of human rights. Kristoffersen, Svein Vil gi alle barn en felles plattform Norwegian News Agency March 22, 2009 Another controversial event was that the majority of the convention audience supporting a ban on all private schools in Norway. This was included in the party's program, something Halvorsen and sitting 2nd deputy leader Bård Vegar Solhjell opposed. This decision later led to fellow Socialist Left politician Stian Oen accusing Halvorsen of stopping all internal debates within the party.Larsen, Christiana Jordheim Brattlie, Tom Henning Angriper SV-ledelsen Klassekampen 4 September 2, 2010 Among other statements made that day, the party voted for a crisis package to level social differences and stronger regulation of financial institutions while voting against both the EU Directive and mail solicitation and a consumer boycott of Israel. The convention also made it clear that it could only participate in the governing coalition if a majority of the party's key issues were approved by their coalition partners. This idea was suggested by the party's Editorial Committee which reported this statement to the convention on the third day. This decision is seen as a tightening of the requirements needed for future collaboration with the Labour and the Centre Party. Nyheter notiser Bergens Tidende 8 March 22, 2009 4th day The convention also decided that Norwegian membership in the European Economic Area should be re-considered in a report by the Norwegian Official Report group. No to the EU leader and Socialist Left member Heming Olaussen was pleased with this decision. Glad for at SV vil evaluere EØS Nationen 8 March 22, 2009 The control public hospitals should according to the convention be given to the local municipality authorities, and away from direct control by the government. The convention demanded immediate withdrawal of Norwegian troops in Afghanistan. Eltvik, Anders Har blankpusset profi len før valget Nationen 8 March 22, 2009 Kristin Halvorsen was re-elected to the office of party leader. See also Red-Green Coalition History of the Socialist Left Party List of national conventions held by the Socialist Left Party References External links Landsmøte 2009 Category:National conventions held by the Socialist Left Party (Norway) Category:Politics of Norway Socialist Left Party National Convention, 2009 Category:March 2009 in Europe Category:2000s political conferences Socialist Left Party national convention