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Kare WillochNorwegian statesman and politician
Date of Birth: 03.10.1928
Country:  Norway |
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Biography of Kore Willoch
Kore Willoch, a Norwegian statesman and politician, was born on October 3, 1924. He graduated from the University of Oslo with a degree in economics.
Political Career
Willoch's entire political career was closely associated with the Høyre party. He was elected as a member of the Oslo City Council in 1952 and became a member of the Norwegian Parliament in 1958, serving continuously until 1989. Willoch held various leadership positions within the party, including chairman from 1970 to 1974.
He served as the Minister of Trade and Shipping twice - first in the post-war cabinet formed without the participation of socialists in 1963, and later from 1965 to 1970 in the cabinet led by Per Borten. Willoch left the government in order to focus on leading his party.
In October 1981, Willoch skillfully led his party to a significant victory in the parliamentary elections, defeating the leader of the socialists, Gro Harlem Brundtland. As a result, Willoch formed a new conservative cabinet with support from other right-wing parties. However, it wasn't until 1983 that a coalition government was established, consisting of representatives from Høyre, the Christian Democrats, and the Centre Party.
After the 1985 elections, the ruling coalition's position weakened considerably, and the government had to seek support from the Progress Party. However, when the Progress Party sided with the left-wing factions in the Storting and did not support the government's tax initiatives, Willoch's cabinet resigned.
Later Career
Following his resignation as Prime Minister, Kore Willoch served as the head of the administration for the Oslo County from 1989 to 1998, and later for Akershus County. From 1998 to 2000, he was the chairman of the state broadcasting corporation.
Willoch is known for his excellent debating skills and oratory abilities. He is a staunch critic of the so-called "Scandinavian socialism" and a supporter of traditional capitalist values. He has authored numerous books on economic issues.
Some of Willoch's statements on international politics have received mixed reactions. His declaration in 2006 about the "usefulness" of political dialogue with Hamas was criticized by many politicians.
Kore Willoch is fluent in four languages: Norwegian, English, German, and French.
