Audun Lysbakken

Audun Lysbakken. A prominent Norwegian politician, he served as the leader of the Socialist Left Party from 2012 to 2023. He held the position of Minister of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion in the second cabinet of Jens Stoltenberg and has been a member of the Storting for Hordaland since 2009. Known for his advocacy of social democracy, environmental policy, and economic equality, Lysbakken has been a defining figure on Norway's political left.

Early life and education

Audun Lysbakken was born on 30 January 1977 in Bergen, within the county of Hordaland. He grew up in the borough of Fana, where his early political consciousness was shaped. He pursued higher education at the University of Bergen, studying social anthropology and political science. During his university years, he became actively involved in student politics and the Socialist Youth League, the youth wing of the Socialist Left Party.

Political career

Lysbakken's political career began in earnest with his election to the Bergen City Council in 1999. He first entered national politics as a political advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the first Stoltenberg Cabinet. He was elected to the Storting in the 2009 Norwegian parliamentary election, representing Hordaland. Following the resignation of Kristin Halvorsen, he was elected party leader in March 2012 and simultaneously appointed Minister of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion in the second Stoltenberg government. His tenure as minister was brief, ending with the government's defeat in the 2013 Norwegian parliamentary election. He led the party through subsequent elections, including the 2017 Norwegian parliamentary election and the 2021 Norwegian parliamentary election, before stepping down as leader in March 2023, succeeded by Kirsti Bergstø.

Political positions

Lysbakken has been a staunch advocate for a robust welfare state and reducing economic inequality, often championing policies for higher taxes on wealth and financial speculation. A committed environmentalist, he has pushed for aggressive climate action, including ending petroleum exploration in the Arctic and accelerating the transition to renewable energy. His platform has consistently emphasized strengthening public services like health care in Norway and education in Norway, expanding paternity leave, and protecting workers' rights. In foreign policy, he has been critical of NATO military policies and a vocal supporter of Palestinian statehood and international disarmament efforts.

Personal life

Audun Lysbakken is married to Mona Evensen, a former journalist for NRK, and the couple has two children. He is known to be an avid reader and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing in the Norwegian countryside. His family resides in Bergen, and he maintains a strong connection to his home region of Vestlandet.

Electoral history

In the 2009 Norwegian parliamentary election, Lysbakken was elected to the Storting for the first time from Hordaland. He retained his seat in the 2013 Norwegian parliamentary election, though his party saw a significant decline in support. He led the Socialist Left Party to a modest recovery in the 2017 Norwegian parliamentary election. The party achieved its best result in over a decade in the 2021 Norwegian parliamentary election, securing 13 seats under his leadership. He did not seek re-election as party leader ahead of the 2023 Socialist Left Party leadership election.

Category:1977 births Category:Living people Category:Socialist Left Party (Norway) politicians Category:Members of the Storting Category:Government ministers of Norway Category:Politicians from Bergen