Høyre

Høyre, the Conservative Party, is a centre-right political party in Norway. Founded in 1884, it is one of the country’s oldest and most influential parties. The party identifies with liberal-conservative values, emphasizing a market-based economy, fiscal responsibility, private property, and individual rights. It supports a welfare state financed through taxation, but argues for reforms to improve efficiency and ensure long-term sustainability. It favors international cooperation, including NATO and the European Economic Area framework.

Høyre has participated in government on several occasions. Its most recent period in office was from 2013 to 2021, led by Prime Minister Erna Solberg. The party has also governed at regional and local levels and has played a central role in debates on taxation, public services, education, and welfare reform.

Ideology and policy emphasis include pro-business measures, tax reform, deregulation where appropriate, and modernization of public services. It advocates strengthening law and order and investing in education and research. On Europe, Høyre generally supports close integration with European cooperation through the EEA but remains outside full EU membership.

Organization and status: Høyre is organized nationally with regional chapters and elected leadership. It remains one of Norway’s major political parties and has been an influential voice in both national policy and regional governance. Since 2021 it has stood in opposition to the governing Labour-led coalition.