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Christian Democratic Party (Norway)

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Article Genealogy
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Christian Democratic Party (Norway)
Christian Democratic Party (Norway)
source
NameChristian Democratic Party
Native nameKristelig Folkeparti
AbbreviationKrF
LeaderOlaug Bollestad
Foundation04 September 1933
HeadquartersStortingsgata, Oslo
IdeologyChristian democracy, Social conservatism
PositionCentre-right
EuropeanEuropean People's Party
InternationalCentrist Democrat International
ColoursGold
Seats1 titleStorting
Seats13, 169
Seats2 titleCounty Governors
Seats21, 15
Seats3 titleMunicipal Councils
Seats3757, 10781

Christian Democratic Party (Norway). The Christian Democratic Party, known in Norway as Kristelig Folkeparti (KrF), is a Christian democratic political party. Founded in 1933, it has been a significant force in Norwegian politics, often holding the balance of power in the Storting. The party advocates for policies based on Christian values within a framework of social market economy and has participated in several coalition governments.

History

The party was formally established on 4 September 1933 in Oslo, largely in response to secularizing trends and the growing influence of the Labour Party. Its first leader was Nils Lavik. The party first entered the Storting following the 1936 election. A major historical milestone was its pivotal role in the 1963 cabinet crisis, which briefly brought down the government of Einar Gerhardsen. The Christian Democratic Party provided the Prime Minister, Kjell Magne Bondevik, who led coalition governments from 1997 to 2000 and again from 2001 to 2005. The party experienced a significant electoral setback in the 2021 parliamentary election, falling below the national threshold and losing its direct representation, though it retained three seats through constituency levelling seats.

Ideology and political positions

The party's ideology is rooted in Christian democracy, blending a commitment to a social market economy with social conservative values. Its foundational principles are derived from Christian humanism and the teachings of the Church of Norway. Key policy positions have historically included strong support for the Norwegian welfare state, foreign aid, and environmental protection. The party is notably known for its stance on ethical issues, traditionally advocating for restrictions on abortion and opposing the legalization of euthanasia. In international affairs, it supports NATO membership, EEA cooperation, and strong ties with Israel, while being skeptical of full European Union membership for Norway.

Organization and structure

The party's supreme authority is its National Congress, which convenes every two years. Day-to-day operations are managed by a Central Board and a Presidium. The party is organized locally through municipal and county associations. Its youth wing, Kristelig Folkepartis Ungdom (KrFU), plays an important role in recruitment and activism. The Christian Democratic Party is a member of the European People's Party (EPP) and the Centrist Democrat International. For many decades, it maintained close informal ties with various Christian organizations and the Norwegian Missionary Society.

Electoral performance

The party's electoral support has historically been strongest in southwestern Norway, particularly in the Rogaland and Møre og Romsdal counties, areas with a strong Christian layman's movement tradition. Its best result in a parliamentary election was 15.3% of the vote in the 1997 election. Support gradually declined in the 21st century, culminating in its fall below the 4% threshold in the 2021 Norwegian parliamentary election, where it received 3.8% of the national vote. The party also contests local elections, typically performing better at the municipal level, and has held positions such as County Governor of Vestfold og Telemark.

Leadership

The party has been led by a succession of prominent Norwegian politicians. Foundational leader Nils Lavik was succeeded by Erling Wikborg. Lars Korvald served as both party leader and Prime Minister in the early 1970s. Kjell Magne Bondevik, who led the party from 1983 to 1995, later became Prime Minister twice. Subsequent leaders include Valgerd Svarstad Haugland, Dagfinn Høybråten, and Knut Arild Hareide. The current leader, since 2021, is Olaug Bollestad, who previously served as Minister of Agriculture and Food in the government of Erna Solberg.

Category:Christian democratic parties in Norway Category:Political parties established in 1933