Lars Øye Brandsås, a candidate for the leadership of Norway's Venstre party, expresses his commitment to revitalizing the party through grassroots engagement, while competing with another candidate for the position.
Lars Øye Brandsås, a 27-year-old candidate for the new deputy leader of Venstre, shared his determination to travel across Norway and energize the party from the ground up. Speaking to VG over breakfast, he conveys his passion for connecting with people at Venstre meetings, regardless of attendance numbers, and how these encounters fuel his motivation for party building. His candidacy comes as Venstre prepares for a leadership change in March following the departure of Sveinung Rotevatn, who opted for a new role at the environmental foundation Bellona after losing his seat in Parliament.
In addition to Brandsås, the former member of Parliament Ingvild Wetrhus Thorsvik has also announced her intention to run for deputy leader, indicating that a competition is forthcoming at the national meeting. This leadership transition within Venstre is crucial, considering the party's recent electoral struggles, which have raised questions about its effectiveness and connection with voters. Brandsås' focus on groundwork and community engagement reflects a broader strategy to regain trust and support among constituents disenchanted with the party's current trajectory.
The significance of this leadership election extends beyond party dynamics; it highlights the challenges smaller political parties face in Norway's shifting political landscape. Brandsås' understanding of voter discontent suggests a recognition of the need for change, as he seeks to inspire a renewed vision for Venstre that resonates with the electorate. His leadership style, rooted in accessibility and active involvement, aims to reinvigorate the party and encourage broader participation, crucial for reversing its decline in political influence and achieving future electoral success.
