– I am calm and optimistic, says Trond Giske.
But his opponent Per Olav Skurdal Hopsø is also confident ahead of the nomination meeting where both are competing for the top spot on the Storting list.
– I am not going to give up until all the votes are counted, says Hopsø.
Hopsø points out that eight out of nine members of the nomination committee and several local party members want him in the Storting. Giske emphasizes that most members want him in the top position.
But nothing is decided until the nomination meeting on Saturday is over.
– A lot can still happen, adds Hopsø.
on Saturday, Ingvild Kjerkol’s future in the Storting will also be decided:
Wants to bridge the gap between politics and the people
Both candidates highlight that they beleive there is too much distance between ordinary people in Trøndelag and politics.
– I want to help create even closer contact between what happens in Trøndelag, both in the party and in the local communities, and what is developed as policy in the Storting, says Hopsø.
And this is exactly why Giske now wants to make a comeback to national politics.
– There is a very long distance to those who make the decisions. All the urging for me to run and campaign is probably what made me step up. I hope I can be a voice for them, Giske replies.
Giske: – Wants to win back voters
Trond Giske is the leader of the largest local branch of the Labor Party with over 4,400 members and says he will work to create a political debate that does not scare people away from participating.
– When I decided to run, it was motivated by all the people who came to me and urged me to fight for the issues that concerned them.
And if he is elected to the Storting, Giske believes he can help increase support for the Labour Party.
– I may have been one of the clearest voices on the course change we need to make to win support. Continuing as before when we are at 17.5% is not the recipe for winning elections.
Giske wants to win back voters from, among others, the Conservative Party and the Progress Party.
– One of the frist things I want to do is invite Sylvi Listhaug to a duel. She is currently taking a portion of the voters that I intend to win back.
Trond Giske says he has put himself at the party’s disposal and that it is the members who decide what place he ends up on the storting list.
– I have no comment on that. It was one of the largest media storms in Norway’s history. It is indeed not unknown to those who are now going to the nomination, Giske replies.
Hopsø: – Perceived as a unifying candidate
Per Olav Skurdal Hopsø is currently State Secretary in the Ministry of Labor and Inclusion. He believes he can help unite the Labour Party and thereby increase support.
– The members perceive me as a unifying candidate, someone who can help build a team and be a new face for the Labour Party also at the national level.
– The most vital thing is that the Labour Party, in the years to come, needs to think about what we should be, how we can get to the heights that we actually belong at.And I want to contribute to that, adds Hopsø.
Per olav Skurdal Hopsø says he is running for the top spot on the Labour Party’s list in Sør-Trøndelag.
Divisive nomination process
The nomination process within the Trøndelag Labour Party has been characterized by internal strife and disagreements over the candidates and how they have been voted for.
Hopsø says it was a good process at the beginning.
– But we see that there has been development at the end that the board has said has not been good, he adds.
Hopsø refers to the fact that the board of trøndelag Labour Party concluded that Giske’s local branch had violated good organizational practice. the criticism came after several members of the Nidaros Social Democratic Forum switched to other local branches.
Giske has previously responded that Nidaros has acted entirely in accordance with good organizational practice.
– We should work together to win the election after we are done with the nomination. I think we should have a little internal round on how such debates should proceed.
And the nomination is not finished until 133 delegates have decided whether it is indeed Hopsø or Giske who wins the top spot in the Labour party in Sør-Trøndelag.
According to both candidates, it is still not decided.
– We know that manny want Trond to top the list and I also experience considerable support for me to be the candidate to lead the team, adds Hopsø.
Published
29.11.2024, at 10:27
Updated
29.11.2024, at 10:41
What are Trond Giske’s key strategies for engaging with voters in Trøndelag?
Time.news Interview: Engaging in Political Dynamics with Trond Giske
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good afternoon, Trond Giske. Thank you for joining us today as you prepare for what seems to be a decisive nomination meeting. How are you feeling about your chances against per Olav Skurdal Hopsø?
Trond Giske: Good afternoon! I’m feeling calm and optimistic. While I certainly respect Per Olav’s campaign, I believe that the majority of the nomination committee sees the potential I bring to the position.
Interviewer: It sounds like there’s a lot of confidence on both sides. Hopsø has mentioned that he won’t give up until the last vote is counted. How crucial is this nomination for you personally and for the Labor Party in Trøndelag?
Trond Giske: It’s incredibly critically important. This isn’t just about me; it’s about bringing the party’s message and values closer to the people of Trøndelag. My focus is on creating genuine dialogue between ordinary citizens and the political process. I’ve heard the concerns from the community — a lot of people feel distanced from decisions made in the Storting.
Interviewer: You’ve emphasized wanting to bridge that gap. Can you elaborate on specific strategies you intend to implement if you win the nomination?
Trond Giske: Certainly. I aim to foster open interaction. That means listening tours, where I engage directly with constituents to understand their issues, and then advocating for those at the national level. Also, I want to create a political debate that invites input rather than intimidates people from participating.
Interviewer: You mentioned the need to win back voters from parties like the Conservatives and the Progress Party.What challenges do you anticipate in this endeavor?
Trond Giske: The biggest challenge is to address the reasons those voters moved away from us. Many are looking for clarity and a sense of direction. If elected, I’d want to advocate for policies that resonate with them.One of my first initiatives would be to invite Sylvi Listhaug for a public debate. I believe we have to confront our challenges head-on.
Interviewer: The need for change in the Labour Party’s strategy has been a hot topic, especially with your recent mention that continuing with the same approach, given your current support of 17.5%,isn’t viable. What specific changes are you advocating?
Trond Giske: Well, I believe we need to shift our narrative to be more inclusive and relatable. The Labour Party needs to reflect the voices of the communities we represent. That means being bold and willing to make changes that genuinely represent the aspirations of our electorate. We cannot maintain the status quo if we want to be competitive.
Interviewer: As you gear up for the meeting, how do you plan to address any divisions within the party that may arise from this nomination contest?
Trond Giske: Unity is key, and I intend to emphasize our shared values and vision for the future of the Labour Party. After the nomination, regardless of the outcome, I’d want to encourage collaboration, ensuring everyone feels valued and included in the party’s journey.
Interviewer: It sounds like you’re setting the stage not just for a campaign but for a transformative political approach. Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like to convey to the voters of Trøndelag ahead of the nomination meeting?
Trond Giske: Yes, I want to tell the people of Trøndelag that their voices matter. I am hear because of their encouragement to step forward. I aim to be a relentless advocate for their interests and a strong voice in the Storting. Together, we can bridge the distance between politics and the people.
Interviewer: Thank you, Trond, for sharing your thoughts today. Best of luck in the upcoming nomination meeting!
Trond Giske: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you and the community.