Ine Eriksen Søreide, the newly appointed leader of Norway's Conservative Party, Høyre, has been advised to adopt a more straightforward and assertive political stance to transform the party’s appeal among voters. Unlike her predecessor Sylvi Listhaug, Søreide seems to focus on broader topics, particularly the challenges faced by those outside of the labor market. However, while she starts by presenting herself in a personal light, mentioning her family's background in her inaugural speech, her approach still lacks the emphatic slogan-driven style traditionally associated with influential leaders.

In her first speech at the national assembly, Søreide connected on both emotional and intellectual levels with the audience, drawing laughter from members of the party, signifying that she possesses the capability to engage with supporters. While her tone was congruent with Høyre’s traditional values, it remains to be seen whether her style can offer enough contrast with her political rivals, Jonas Gahr Støre from the Labour Party and the right-wing populist Sylvi Listhaug to consolidate a stronger base.

Søreide’s challenge is not just to establish her identity as a leader but to articulate a vision that resonates with both her party and the electorate at large. Finding a balance between an ideological grounding and relatable personal storytelling will be crucial as her party seeks to redefine its core values and regain its footing in the Norwegian political landscape.