Conservative leader Solberg sweeps into power in Norwegian election

[FarCenter]

(Reuters) - Norway's opposition Conservatives, promising tax cuts and better healthcare, won elections in a landslide on Monday but faced tough coalition talks with a populist party that wants to spend more of the accumulated oil riches and curb immigration.

Led by Erna Solberg, a former girl scout leader who has overcome dyslexia, the Conservatives promise to diversify the economy away from oil, privatize state firms, and reduce some of the world's highest taxes rates to give the private sector more breathing room.

Solberg, 52, will become Norway's second female prime minister, as well as its first Conservative prime minister since 1990. At least the top two cabinet posts - and possibly the top three - are likely to be filled by women.

"Today voters have given a historically strong victory for the center-right," said a tearful Solberg, nicknamed "Iron Erna" for her tough stances when she served in cabinet between 2001 and 2005. "We will give this country a new government."

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/10/us-norway-election-idUSBRE9880Y820130910

[Scootaloo]

1. Norwegian conservatives sound a hell of a lot like American liberals

Not identical, mind, but.. .could you imagine US conservatives running on a platform of domestic industry diversification and health care? Tax cuts sure, but in Norway they actually have taxes to cut, so there might be a valid argument there...