Progress Party (Norway)

The Progress Party (Bokmål: Fremskrittspartiet, Nynorsk: Framstegspartiet, Norwegian abbreviation: FrP) is a Norwegian self-described libertarian political party, considered right-wing populist by some sources. It was the second largest political party in Norway following the 2005 parliamentary elections, and according to a survey conducted by Norstat for NRK in August 2008 is the biggest party in Norway, with a 32.1 % support in the opinion polls.

The Progress Party advocates tax reductions, free market economics and deregulation of the economy, stricter limits on immigration, closer cooperation with NATO and the United States, social and cultural conservatism, and the decentralization of government.

The current chairman of The Progress Party is Siv Jensen.

History

Foundation

The Progress Party was founded on April 8, 1973 with an address held by Anders Lange. Anders Lange intended the party to be more like a anti-tax protest movement than a regular political party. The protest was directed against what he claimed to be an unacceptably high level of taxes, subsidies, and fuel costss, in an oil and gas producing country like Norway.

The party's original nane was "Anders Lange's Party for strong reductions of taxes, charges and government intervention", but usually referred to as "Anders Lange' Party", or "ALP". It adopted its current name in 1977.

The populist themes helped him win 5% of the vote and gain four seats in the Norwegian Parliament, the Storting, in the elections to 1973. But already before his death his intemperate und unpredictable behavoir, and his frequent violent outbursts was beginning to damage the party.

Role of Carl I. Hagen

Following Anders Lange's death in 1974, two persons lead the party during a brief period of time. The party performed poorly in 1977 election, which led to Carl I. Hagen taking control of the party in 1978:

• Anders Lange (1973 – 1974)
• Eivind Eckbo (1974 – 1975) (interim)
• Arve Lønnum (1975 – 1978)

Carl I. Hagen, a gifted speaker with a an intuition for moods and popular trends in the populace succeeded in sharpening the image of the party as an anti-tax and anti-immigrants movement. His criticism of the wisdom of hoarding billions of Dollars in the “State Fund”, while the infrastructure, schools and social services decline and people have to wait for months for hospital beds seemed to hit the nerve of popular feeling. But his anti-foreigner and anti-Moslem rhethoic tended to hurt the movement, and made it difficult for other conservative parties such as Høyre to co-operate with him. In 2006, after 27 years as leader of the party, he stepped down to become Vice President of the Norwegian parliament Stortinget. The then 36 year-old Ms Siv Jensen, a young, smoother and more suave, was elected as his successor. It was hoped that she could appeal to the middle classes, build bridges to liberal-conservative parties and head or participate in the next government of Norway.

Since the 9/11 attacks in New York and the incidents of the Mohammed caricatures in Denmark, resulting in the tightening of immigrant or asylum policies in Europe, right wing parties in Scandinavia - the Progress Party of Norway (lead by Siv Jensen) Peoples Party of Denmark (leady by Pia Kjaersgaard) – have been experiencing a surge in popularity. It would remain to be seen whether the FRP would be able to convert the opinion polls popularity into electoral victory. The FRP has often experienced surges of popularity that did not translate into electoral gains and the next elections are a year away.

In the parliamentary election in 1989, the party obtained 13%, and became the third largest party in Norway. It started to gain power in some local administrations. In 1990, Peter N. Myhre, of Frp, became the mayor of Oslo.

The 1993 election halved the party's support to 6.3% and 10 representatives. In 1994, four representatives of the "libertarian wing" broke out, formed an independent group in parliament, and founded the libertarian organization Fridemokratene which tried to organize like a political party, but without success.

In the 1997 election, Frp obtained 15.3%, and was again the third largest party.

In the local election in 1999, Progress-Party's Terje Søviknes was elected mayor of Os. 20 municipalities got a deputy mayor from the Progress Party.

In the Norwegian parliamentary election, 2001, Frp lost the advance it had on polls, but maintained its position from the 1997 election, and got 14.6% and 26 members in the parliament. The election result allowed them to unseat the Labour Party Government of Jens Stoltenberg, and replace it with a three-party coalition led by Christian Democrat Kjell Magne Bondevik. However, the coalition declined to govern together with the Progress party, considering the political differences being too large.

In 2002, the Progress party advanced again in polls, and for a short while it became the largest party, with a strong margin in December 2002. In the polls in November 2006 illustrating that Frp have 32.9% of the vote and the largest party in Norway today.

The local elections in 2003 were a success for Frp. In 30 municipalities, the party gained more votes than any other, but it succeeded to elect the mayor only in 13 of these. The Progress Party has participated in local elections since 1975, but until 2003 the party has only gained the mayor position twice. The Progress Party vote in Os—the only municipality that elected a Progress Party mayor in 1999—increased from 36.6% in 1999 to 45.7% in 2003. The party gained ground across the country, but more so in municipalities where the party had the mayor or the deputy mayor.

Expulsion of the populists

Before the 2001 election, Frp enjoyed a high level of popular support in 1999–2000, but its support fell back to 1997 levels in the actual election, following both internal turmoil (the then second vice-chairman of the party, Terje Søviknes, was involved in a sex scandal) and internal disagreements. This time, several populist local representatives in Oslo and some parliamentarians resigned from the party. Some "populists", as they were called, were suspended, including Vidar Kleppe, who was suspended for two years, or expelled, as was Jan Simonsen. The "populists" formed a right-wing party called The Democrats, with Vidar Kleppe as chairman and Jan Simonsen as vice-chairman.

Recent elections

In the 2005 parliamentary elections, it was the second largest party in Storting, with 22.1% of the votes and 38 seats (up from third-largest with 14.6% and 26 seats in the 2001 elections).

Recent popular support

The Progress Party has enjoyed an increase in popularity, with a support of 26.3 percent. The red-green government's increase of fees of petrol and diesel, which contributes to the high gas prices in Norway, has further improved the popular support for the party, and according to a poll carried out by the newspaper Verdens Gang The Progress Party enjoys a rating of 27.8 percent, while the Labour Party only has 26.7 percent of the vote.

According to a survey made by Norstat for NRK in June 2008, the Progress Party has become the largest political party in Norway, with 30.8 % of the vote, in comparison to the Labour Party's 26.6%.

As of July 2008, different political polls shows the Progress Party's support from varying between 30.3 to 30.8% of the population, thus still holding the post as the largest party in Norway.

Party leadership

• Anders Lange (1973 – 1974)
• Eivind Eckbo (1974 – 1975) (interim)
• Arve Lønnum (1975 – 1978)
• Carl I. Hagen (1978 – 2006) (2006 retirement announced in 2003)
• Siv Jensen (2006 – )

Parliamentary election results

Year	% of votes	Members of the Storting
1973	5.0	4
1977	1.9	–
1981	4.5	4
1985	3.7	2
1989	13.0	22
1993	6.3	10
1997	15.3	25
2001	14.6	26
2005	22.1	38

Political platform

The Progress Party defines itself as a "liberalistic" party, built on Norwegian and Western traditions and cultural heritages, with a basis in a Christian and humanist understanding of life. Its main declared goal is a strong reduction in taxes and government intervention.

Specific issues

Society and economy

The Progress Party places highly in its program the right of the individual to decide about its own life and economy, and claims the individual is, together with the family and the right to own private property, a fundamental of society. The party does not want the state to solve problems that they claim might be handled better by individuals, private companies or organizations. It also proposes to increase taxation on consumption to compensate for reduced taxation on work, although it has given very high priority to reduction of petrol taxes and supported the reduction of food taxes from 24% to 12%. It opposes a recently posed suggestion to raise the taxes by one percent, to 13%. The party also supports free trade, with reductions of tariffs and market regulations.

Vote legislation

The party promotes decentralisation and binding referendums. In Norway, the result of a referendum is not binding, even if in practice politicians have always followed their indications. Furthermore, it favors abolishing the current laws that make a vote cast in a large Norwegian county carry more weight than one cast in densely populated urban areas such as Oslo. The party wants to abolish the Sami Parliament of Norway and other financial support for the revitalization of the language and culture of the indegenous Sami people.

Labour economics

The party proposes a deregulation of the job market, so that laws no longer restrict the contract between an employer and employee beyond safety and health requirements.

Welfare State

The Progress Party wants to reorganize the way welfare is distributed to allow for competition and private production of such services, without reducing the welfare state itself. It has long favoured increased benefits for the elderly, which has become one of their main electoral groups.

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The Principles of the Progress Party

Social Policies

The social policy of Fremskrittspartiet is founded on a belief in, and respect for, the uniqueness of the individual and the right of individuals to control their own lives and finances. The individual is the greatest resource in the development of society. Together with the family and the right to private ownership, the individual is the basis of society. Fremskrittspartiet is firmly opposed to discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion and ethnic origin.

Rights

Fremskrittspartiet will defend the rights inherent in the Norwegian Constitution, including private ownership, freedom of enterprise, personal liberty and freedom of expression. Fremskrittspartiet will also defend freedom of faith and the right to voluntary organisation in the workplace.

Distribution of power

Fremskrittspartiet works for a society with limited state authority, so that the rights and freedom of action of the individual are protected. The state should not assume responsibilities that individuals, businesses and organisations can carry out equally well or better.For this reason, Fremskrittspartiet is opposed to any form of totalitarian and authoritarian state power and ideology that has this as its goal, and is extremely critical of the transfer of authority from citizens to the public sector. When a superior administrative level forces a subordinate administrative level to assume new responsibilities, the superior administrative level should finance these responsibilities.

Democracy

Fremskrittspartiet's policies are founded on democratic principles, with decentralised political power and decisions made by elected bodies. Fremskrittspartiet intends to legislate for binding referenda as part of Norway's constitutional system. Publicly elected representatives and public sector employees in leading positions must be held more responsible for their actions. Fremskrittspartiet wants a vote cast in an election or referendum to have the same influence, independent of where in Norway it is cast.

Work and emplyment

Fremskrittspartiet considers that work is a significant basis for well-being and prosperity. Business profitability is considered to be a condition for secure jobs and forward-looking financial development. Fremskrittspartiet will oppose state regulations or legislation that undermine work morale and efficiency. Legislation should, apart from safety and health provisions, not restrict the rights of individuals to enter into labour contracts subject to the conditions that the parties themselves agree upon.

Welfare state

Fremskrittspartiet considers it the state's responsibility to ensure a minimum standard of living. Welfare benefits must be directed increasingly towards those who need them. This can be done with increased use of means testing. If an increasing share of welfare benefits are linked to the role of employee, there will not be enough left for those who for various reasons do not participate in the labour market.

Environment

It is both a private and a public responsibility to ensure a healthy environment and the adequate exploitation and use of Norway's natural resources.Fremskrittspartiet will stimulate economic growth so that basic resources such as soil, air and water will be also preserved for future generations.Fremskrittspartiet considers it to be a fundamental principle that the person or persons who cause demonstrable harm to the environment must be held financially responsible for the damage caused.

Biotech

Fremskrittspartiet looks positively on future-oriented, but ethically controlled use of genetic engineering and biological research.

The economy

Fremskrittspartiet will motivate the individual to work and activity by introducing a flatter fiscal system and by reducing the pressure of taxation. Funds that are required to meet necessary state responsibilities should, to an increasing extent, be raised from taxation on consumption, rather than taxation of the rewards of labour.

Taxation

Fremskrittspartiet will work towards the lowest possible level of taxation.

Tax and charges legislation must be designed in such a way as to, as far as possible, avoid capital being allocated on the basis of tax benefits. The taxation system must be easy for the individual taxpayer to comply with.

Capital market

The capital market must be as free as possible, so that capital is channelled where it can provide the greatest benefit. Fremskrittspartiet wants state-owned banks to have competition to stimulate them, or to be privatised in order to promote competition, so that all users are ensured an equal range of services and equal treatment. To the extent that the state maintains its ownership, this should be gradually transferred to the National Insurance Fund so that the banks are not controlled by the government.

Free trade

Fremskrittspartiet wants the greatest possible degree of free trade.

Common tasks

Fremskrittspartiet considers that some tasks are the responsibility of the state and local authorities, but that such tasks must be clearly demarcated. Such tasks include:

DEFENCE Fremskrittspartiet wants a strong defence force with an equal degree of association as our allies in NATO, and NATO's partners. The Defence Forces must be credible and effective. The Defence Forces must have a structure and armament level that is up-to-date and appropriate, and that allows Norway to react quickly and effectively in a crisis situation.

FOREIGN POLICY Foreign policy must be based on safeguarding Norwegian interests. A good and trustworthy relationship between Norway and our NATO allies must be emphasised. Norway's relationship with developing countries must be based on the principle of aid for self-help. Free trade, with as few trade barriers as possible, and an international economy based on free market economic principles ensures the most effective aid to developing countries. Mandatory state development aid must be wound down. Fremskrittspartiet supports state disaster aid through national and international organisations.

RULE OF LAW Fremskrittspartiet wishes for a democratic society with strongly limited state power. Central to Fremskrittspartiet's libertarian ideology is the belief in individual responsibility.

The rule of law concept must be built on security for the individual and his or her rights. Fremskrittspartiet builds its policy on the principles of the Norwegian Constitution concerning the rights and obligations of the individual.

Fremskrittspartiet supports a simplification and modernisation of existing legislation, both in form and content, so that it is easy to understand and use for the man in the street. Legislation must be drawn up in line with the general principles of justice.

LEGAL SAFEGUARDS Fremskrittspartiet emphasises legal safeguards to ensure justice to the individual. Courts must be independent institutions, which are able to provide rapid and fair process of law. Every person has the right to security against state bodies controlling his or her private affairs. To this end, Fremskrittspartiet will limit all surveillance, with the exception of all matters relating to security of the realm and serious organised crime.

EDUCATION Children and young people must have the right and opportunity to education and training, according to their abilities and interests. Public funding must follow the student, who shall be free to apply for the form of education that the student/parent or guardian prefers. The state must ensure equal terms for public and private education.

In partnership with the home, schools must contribute to developing a sense of responsibility in children and young people, in addition to a sense of duty, culture and self-confidence. Academic education must maintain a high international level and be subject to independent quality assurance.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Fremskrittspartiet’s social policy is based on assistance for self-help. People who are ill and those that need care must have individual legal rights to the necessary medical and other treatment, as well as a pension financed through the National Insurance Fund. The pension benefits should be of such a level that the need for special benefits no longer applies.

Fremskrittspartiet will halt trends that lead towards state-employed personnel taking over the natural social functions of the family. This applies, for example, to children and young people’s upbringing and care of the sick and elderly. Social support should be given to individuals and not to groups. Social rights shall in the main be associated with citizenship or rights earned.

TRANSPORT The state has responsibility for providing Norway with a modern infrastructure with a good transport and communications network adapted to the needs of society. Such a service should be based on the premise that business and the general population must have efficient and safe communications networks. Development, operation and maintenance must be carried out following a process of open tender and competition. New projects must meet the requirements for highest possible cost/benefit for the community that the project shall serve. Fremskrittspartiet does not accept financing through toll plazas on public roads unless a majority of people in the municipalities affected have agreed to this through a referendum.

MONETARY VALUE The Bank of Norway has the principal responsibility for maintaining a stable monetary value and must therefore be independent from other state entities. Responsibility for monetary and credit policy must lie principally in the hands of the Bank of Norway.

UNIT PRICE Fremskrittspartiet would like to finance individual basic goods beneficial to society with unit price financing. By unit prices we mean the price the state pays per service unit to whoever carries out the service on behalf of the public administration. Should circumstances dictate, the unit price may vary.

See also

• Politics of Norway
• Fremskrittspartiets Ungdom ("Youth of the Progress Party")

External links

• Template:No icon Fremskrittspartiet (Progress Party) - official site
• Fremskrittspartiet (Progress Party) - official site in English
• Template:No icon Official programme, in Norwegian
• The Principles of Fremskrittspartiet (Progress Party), the political manifesto of PP.
• History of Fremskrittspartiet (Progress Party) 1973-2006
• Template:No icon Fremskrittspartiets ungdom (Youth party) - official site
• Election results for Frp in the 2007 local elections