After suffering a severe electoral defeat, Norway's Conservative Party (Høyre) has been described as being in a state of disarray. The party is producing proposals that appear uncoordinated, such as cuts to sickness benefits and reforms to local government, rather than presenting a cohesive strategy to address contemporary issues. As they approach a national meeting, there is a sense of urgency to redefine their path and leadership amid criticism of their current performance.

Much of the focus during the upcoming party conference will be on bidding farewell to Erna Solberg, the party's longest-serving leader and Prime Minister, who has guided Høyre for 22 years. While the end of her leadership has stirred mixed feelings, her tenure brought considerable achievements that the party acknowledges. The conference aims to honor her contributions despite the recent electoral challenges that have overshadowed her legacy, highlighting the transition the party must navigate in forging a new direction.

The Conservative Party's predicament reflects broader trends within Norwegian politics, where they have often struggled to emerge as a true broad-based party. Their historical appeals have been inconsistent, particularly when it comes to including different demographics, such as women and rural voters. The party's strategy moving forward will be critical for restoring their image and relevance in the political landscape, especially as they aim to rejuvenate their platform and engage effectively with the electorate in future elections.