2009 Socialist Left Party national convention

The convention started with a speech from Kristin Halvorsen.[4] In her speech she highly critical against future plans involving Oil drilling in Lofoten og Vesterålen, saying it would be impossible for the party to sit in a government supporting such environmental hazard policies.[5] Her speech was criticised by some, claiming her to be using big words such as "market fundamentalism is playing a dangerous game", without giving clear answears or at best giving "vague" answears. She skipped over such topics as nationalization, government involvement in the economy or even privatization in favour of environmental issues according to Dagens Næringsliv.[6]

Solheim holding his speech to the convention

The second day included speeches from former party leader Erik Solheim and sitting deputy leader Audun Lysbakken.[4] One commentator called Lysbakken's speech "sparkling" and noted increased attention when he held the speech. Among the topics he talked about was a "renaissance" of more government involvement in the economy and a future climate crisis.[7] The new party program was described by the media as "radical" and "expansionist", however the question most asked themselves were how much of their program would be included in Soria Moria II.[7] Lysbakken had the honour of presenting his own proposed new party program to the convention. The program was applauded by the conventioners. Before he presented the program, he said;[8]

This party program displays a party which is as tough as ever. It shows that we take on two tasks in Norwegian politics, that we should take on the job of achieving results in the short term and compromise, and get things for our electorate. It shows that we take two roles in Norwegian politics; that we should take on the job of achieving results in the short term and compromise, and get things done for our electorate. It shows that we should retain as a society critical party, a rebel party and a party that is not satisfied with short-term goals which will always wish to be something more. It is still us.

— Audun Lysbakken, His speech regarding the new party program

Solheim's speech focused on technological research and development to meet the upcoming climate crisis. He controversially stated that the government should take more "political control over Statoil", a government held company, so that they can move the company into a more environment friendly direction.[9]

Halvorsen (as seen in 2009) was skeptical towards the clause of banning all private schools[10]

By the third day a vote had decided that the party wanted to stop all public funding to all religious institutions in Norway. This decision led to accusations from the Christian Democratic Party that the party was "totalitarian" and anti-religious.[11] When asked Halvorsen said; "The reason for the decision is a strong desire to give all children a common platform. We fear a trend in which children with the same background are on their own denominational schools. It will inhibit inclusion". Solhjell when commenting on the situation said; "The Government's current policies remain unchanged, and options should be allowed. But it should be done within the framework of public held assets". The goal, according to many high-level members were to abolish these religious schools within the guidelines of human rights.[10]

Another more controversial decision during the convention was that the majority of the conventioners wanted to ban all private schools in Norway. This was included in the party's program, something Halvorsen and sitting 2nd deputy leader Bård Vegar Solhjell opposed. This decision later led to fellow Socialist Left politician Stian Oen accusing Halvorsen of stopping all internal debates within the party.[12]

Among other statements made that day, the party supported a crisis package to level social differences, supports stronger regulation of financial institutions, no to both the EU Directive and mail solicitation and consumer boycott of Israel. The convention also made it clear that it could only participate in the governing coalition if a majority of the party's key issues were approved by their coalition partners. This idea was suggested by the party's Editorial Committee which reported this statement to the convention on the 3rd day. This decision is seen as a tightening of the requirements needed for future collaboration with the Labour and the Centre Party.[13]

The convention also decided that Norwegian membership in the European Economic Area should be re-considered in a report by the Norwegian Official Report group. No to the EU leader and Socialist Left member Heming Olaussen was pleased with this decision.[14] The control public hospitals should according to the convention be given to the local municipality authorities, and away from direct control by the government. The convention demanded immediate withdrawal of Norwegian troops in Afghanistan.[15]

Kristin Halvorsen was re-elected to the office of party leader.[14]