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{{Short description|Norwegian politician}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Terje Søviknes
| name = Terje Søviknes
| image = Terje soviknes utvalgt 02.jpg
| image = Terje soviknes utvalgt 02.jpg
| imagesize =
| imagesize =
| office= [[Solberg's Cabinet|Minister of the Eldery and Public Health]]
| office = [[Mayor]] of [[Bjørnafjorden (municipality)|Bjørnafjorden]]
| term_start= 18 December 2019
| term_start = 19 October 2023
| term_end= 24 January 2020
| term_end =
| deputy = Marie Lunde Bruraøy
| primeminister= Erna Solberg
| predecessor= [[Sylvi Listhaug]]
| predecessor = Trine Lindborg
| successor= Position abolished
| successor =
| office1=[[Minister of Petroleum and Energy]]
| office2 = [[Solberg's Cabinet|Minister of the Elderly and Public Health]]
| term_start2 = 18 December 2019
| term_start1= {{Start date|2016|12|20|df=y}}
| term_end2 = 24 January 2020
| term_end1={{End date|2018|08|31|df=y}}
| primeminister1= [[Erna Solberg]]
| primeminister2 = Erna Solberg
| predecessor1= [[Tord Lien]]
| predecessor2 = [[Sylvi Listhaug]]
| successor2 = ''Position abolished''
| successor1= [[Kjell-Børge Freiberg]]
| office3 = [[Minister of Petroleum and Energy]]
| office2 = [[Os, Hordaland|Mayor of Os]]
| term_start3 = {{Start date|2016|12|20|df=y}}
| term_start2= 1 September 2018
| term_end3 = {{End date|2018|08|31|df=y}}
| term_end2= 18 December 2019
| primeminister3 = [[Erna Solberg]]
| predecessor2= Marie Lunde Bruraøy
| predecessor3 = [[Tord Lien]]
| successor2= Position abolished
| successor3 = [[Kjell-Børge Freiberg]]
| term_start3 =1 October 1999
| office4 = [[Mayor]] of [[Os, Hordaland|Os]]
| term_end3 = 20 December 2016
| term_start4 = 1 September 2018
| predecessor3= Geirmund Dyrdal
| term_end4 = 29 October 2019
| successor3= Marie Lunde Bruraøy
| deputy4 = Marie Lunde Bruarøy
| office4= [[Deputy Leader|Second Deputy Leader of the]] [[Progress Party (Norway)|Progress Party]]
| predecessor4 = Marie Lunde Bruraøy
| term_start4= 5 May 2019
| successor4 = ''Position abolished''
| term_end4=
| term_start5 = October 1999
| leader4= [[Siv Jensen]]
| term_end5 = 20 December 2016
| predecessor4= [[Ketil Solvik-Olsen]]
| deputy5 = Lisbeth Lunde Axelsen <br> Børge Lunde <br> Marie Lunde Bruarøy
| successor4=
| predecessor5 = Geirmund Dyrdal
| term_start5= 2 May 1999
| successor5 = Marie Lunde Bruraøy
| term_end5= 12 February 2001
| office6 = [[Deputy Leader|Second Deputy Leader of the]] [[Progress Party (Norway)|Progress Party]]
| leader5= [[Carl I. Hagen]]
| term_start6 = 5 May 2019
| predecessor5= [[Vidar Kleppe]]
| term_end6 =
| successor5= [[John Alvheim]]
| leader6 = [[Siv Jensen]] <br> [[Sylvi Listhaug]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1969|02|28|df=y}}
| predecessor6 = [[Ketil Solvik-Olsen]]
| birth_place = [[Os, Hordaland|Os]], [[Hordaland]], [[Norway]]
| successor6 =
| nationality = Norwegian
| term_start7 = 2 May 1999
| party = [[Progress Party (Norway)|Progress]]
| term_end7 = 12 February 2001
| spouse= Janniche Askeland (1998&ndash;2011)
| leader7 = [[Carl I. Hagen]]
| children = 2
| predecessor7 = [[Vidar Kleppe]]
| alma_mater = [[Bergen University College]]<br />[[Norwegian School of Economics]]
| successor7 = [[John Alvheim]]
| occupation =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1969|02|28|df=y}}
| profession =
| birth_place = [[Os, Hordaland]], [[Norway]]
| nationality = Norwegian
| party = [[Progress Party (Norway)|Progress]]
| spouse = {{marriage|Janniche Askeland|1998|2011|reason=div}}
| children = 2
| alma_mater = [[Bergen University College]]<br />[[Norwegian School of Economics]]
| occupation =
| profession =
}}
}}
'''Terje Søviknes''' (born 28 February 1969) is a Norwegian politician for the [[Progress Party (Norway)|Progress Party]] who has served as the [[Minister of Petroleum and Energy]] from December 2016 to August 2018. From December 2019 to January 2020 he served as the Minister of the Elderly and Public Health. He also serves as the party’s second deputy leader since 2019, a post he previously held from 1999 to 2001.
'''Terje Søviknes''' (born 28 February 1969) is a Norwegian politician for the [[Progress Party (Norway)|Progress Party]] who has served as the mayor of [[Bjørnafjorden (municipality)|Bjørnafjorden]] since 2023. He previously served as [[Minister of Petroleum and Energy|minister of petroleum and energy]] from December 2016 to August 2018. From December 2019 to January 2020 he was the minister of the elderly and public health. He also serves as the party's second deputy leader since 2019, a post he previously held from 1999 to 2001.


Søviknes was the first politician of his party to become mayor of a Norwegian municipality, namely [[Os, Hordaland]] in 1999, and one of the longest-serving, retaining the position for five consecutive elections until his 2016 government appointment.<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia| publisher = Kunnskapsforlaget| title = Terje Søviknes| encyclopedia = Store norske leksikon| location = Oslo| accessdate = 30 May 2009| url = http://www.snl.no/Terje_S%C3%B8viknes}}</ref>
Søviknes was the first politician of his party to become mayor of a Norwegian municipality, namely [[Os, Hordaland]] in 1999, and one of the longest-serving, retaining the position for five consecutive elections until his 2016 government appointment.<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia| publisher = Kunnskapsforlaget| title = Terje Søviknes| encyclopedia = Store norske leksikon| location = Oslo| accessdate = 30 May 2009| url = http://www.snl.no/Terje_S%C3%B8viknes}}</ref>
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==Political career==
==Political career==
===Early career and sex scandal===
===Early career and sex scandal===
From 1999 to 2001, Søviknes was the vice chairman of the Progress Party together with [[Siv Jensen]], and was considered as a possible successor to [[Carl I. Hagen]] as chairman of the party. He however became controversial after an incident at a party congress in 2001 where he had sexually abused a 16-year-old intoxicated member of the [[Youth of the Progress Party (Norway)|Youth of the Progress Party]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ba.no/nyheter/politikk/article308926.ece |title=16-åringen snakket ut |publisher=ba.no |date=24 December 2002 |language=Norwegian|accessdate=30 May 2009}}</ref> Søviknes retained his position as mayor of Os (since 1999) and did not lose his local support after the incident.
From 1999 to 2001, Søviknes was the second deputy leader of the Progress Party together with [[Siv Jensen]], and was considered as a possible successor to [[Carl I. Hagen]] as leader of the party. He however became controversial after an incident at a party congress in 2001 where he had sexually abused a 16-year-old intoxicated member of the [[Youth of the Progress Party (Norway)|Youth of the Progress Party]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ba.no/nyheter/politikk/article308926.ece |title=16-åringen snakket ut |publisher=ba.no |date=24 December 2002 |language=no|accessdate=30 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Tor Midtbø|editor1=Sigurd Allern|editor2=Ester Pollack|title=Scandalous!: The Mediated Construction of Political Scandals in Four Nordic Countries|year=2012|publisher=Nordicom, University of Gothenburg|page=155 |location=Gothenburg|isbn=978-91-86523-27-5|chapter=Do Mediated Political Scandals Affect Party Popularity in Norway?|chapter-url=http://norden.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1534752&dswid=8489}}</ref> Søviknes retained his position as mayor of Os (since 1999) and did not lose his local support after the incident.


===Mayor of Os===
===Mayor of Os===
After first being elected mayor following the [[1999 Norwegian local elections|1999 local elections]], his local party's support subsequently surged from 36.6 to 45.7% (the highest share of votes for the party in a municipality for the election) in the [[2003 Norwegian local elections|2003 local elections]]. The success was repeated in the [[2007 Norwegian local elections|2007 local elections]] when he was reelected by a landslide. The candidate from the [[Conservative Party (Norway)|Conservative Party]] who came in second, jokingly commented that "You don't challenge Terje Søviknes in Os."<ref>{{cite news|last=Solvang|first=Øystein|title=Ikke all makt til Søviknes|url=http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/hordaland/val_2007_hordaland/1.3437292|accessdate=13 October 2012|newspaper=Nrk.no|date=10 November 2007|language=Norwegian}}</ref>
After first being elected mayor following the [[1999 Norwegian local elections|1999 local elections]], his local party's support subsequently surged from 36.6 to 45.7% (the highest share of votes for the party in a municipality for the election) in the [[2003 Norwegian local elections|2003 local elections]]. The success was repeated in the [[2007 Norwegian local elections|2007 local elections]] when he was reelected by a landslide. The candidate from the [[Conservative Party (Norway)|Conservative Party]] who came in second, jokingly commented that "You don't challenge Terje Søviknes in Os."<ref>{{cite news|last=Solvang|first=Øystein|title=Ikke all makt til Søviknes|url=http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/hordaland/val_2007_hordaland/1.3437292|accessdate=13 October 2012|newspaper=Nrk.no|date=10 November 2007|language=Norwegian}}</ref>
He was yet again reelected in the [[2011 Norwegian local elections|2011 local elections]], this time however by a far lesser margin. This led to speculation that he could be ousted from power by a coalition of the other parties. Søviknes remained in power with the support of the Conservative party.<ref>{{cite news|last=Skarvøy|first=Lars-Joakim|title=Terje Søviknes fortsetter som Os-ordfører|url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/valg-2011/artikkel.php?artid=10010205|accessdate=13 October 2012|newspaper=Vg.no|date=15 October 2011|language=Norwegian}}</ref>
He was yet again reelected in the [[2011 Norwegian local elections|2011 local elections]], this time however by a far lesser margin. This led to speculation that he could be ousted from power by a coalition of the other parties. Søviknes remained in power with the support of the Conservative Party.<ref>{{cite news|last=Skarvøy|first=Lars-Joakim|title=Terje Søviknes fortsetter som Os-ordfører|url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/valg-2011/artikkel.php?artid=10010205|accessdate=13 October 2012|newspaper=Vg.no|date=15 October 2011|language=Norwegian}}</ref> He won a fifth term at the [[2015 Norwegian local elections|2015 local elections]] with 39.5% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nationen.no/lokalvalget-2015/terje-soviknes/valg15/terje-soviknes-en-vinner-blant-tapere/s/23-148-121001 | title = Terje Søviknes: En vinner blant tapere | publisher = Nationen | date = 17 September 2015 | access-date = 19 July 2024 | language = no}}</ref> With Os being merged with the neighbouring [[Fusa]] municipality, Søviknes led his local party into the [[2019 Norwegian local elections|2019 local elections]], securing 32% of the vote in the new [[Bjørnafjorden (municipality)|Bjørnafjorden]] municipality. Despite this, the [[Labour Party (Norway)|Labour Party]] secured a majority with the [[Centre Party (Norway)|Centre Party]], with Trine Lindborg ultimately becoming mayor.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.midtsiden.no/direkte-forste-mote-i-bjornafjorden-kommunestyre | title = Direkte: Første møte i Bjørnafjorden kommunestyre | publisher = Midtsiden | date = 29 October 2019 | access-date = 19 July 2024 | language = nn}}</ref>


Os has since by himself and the [[Media (communication)|media]] been seen as a showcase municipality for the Progress Party.<ref name=uts>{{cite news|url=http://www.dagbladet.no/tekstarkiv/artikkel.php?id=5001990062939&tag=item&words=terje%3Bs%F8viknes|archive-url=https://archive.is/20130222232754/http://www.dagbladet.no/tekstarkiv/artikkel.php?id=5001990062939&tag=item&words=terje;s%F8viknes|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 February 2013|title=Hagens lille rike Os - utstillingsvindu for Frp's politikk|first=Tone|last=Rønning|work=Dagbladet|date=20 November 1999}}</ref> This is as he in his first term as mayor achieved full [[kindergarten]] coverage, full [[nursing home]] coverage and started a program of well-being and health journeys to [[Spain]] and related locations. It was also established a "full" stop of immigration and a local [[Vinmonopolet|Vinmonopol]] store.<ref name=uts/> Successful in being consecutively elected as mayor from 2003 to 2007, in this term the main issues was development of the [[Osøyro|city centre]], better [[drug addiction]] recovery programs, development of schools and construction of a [[waterpark]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://web3.aftenbladet.no/innenriks/politikk/article357589.ece|work=Aftenbladet|title=Søviknes vurderer comeback|date=9 October 2006|first=Margunn|last=Ueland|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930015847/http://web3.aftenbladet.no/innenriks/politikk/article357589.ece|archivedate=30 September 2007}}</ref> While the municipality was struggling with large [[Government budget deficit|deficits]] before Søviknes became mayor, this has since been turned into a significant [[Economic surplus|surplus]] as of 2004.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dn.no/forsiden/politikkSamfunn/article443383.ece|title=Os kommune med overskudd|work=Dagens Næringsliv|date=18 February 2005}}</ref> His successful career as mayor of Os has gained him the nickname the "Wizard of Os" by the media.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://arkiv.na24.no/Nyhet/255898/Bedre+betalt+enn+Stoltenberg.html|title=Bedre betalt enn Stoltenberg|first=Gry Elisabeth|last=Veiby|work=NA24|date=1 September 2007}}{{Dead link|date=June 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }}</ref>
Os has since by himself and the [[Media (communication)|media]] been seen as a showcase municipality for the Progress Party.<ref name=uts>{{cite news|url=http://www.dagbladet.no/tekstarkiv/artikkel.php?id=5001990062939&tag=item&words=terje%3Bs%F8viknes|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130222232754/http://www.dagbladet.no/tekstarkiv/artikkel.php?id=5001990062939&tag=item&words=terje;s%F8viknes|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 February 2013|title=Hagens lille rike Os - utstillingsvindu for Frp's politikk|first=Tone|last=Rønning|work=Dagbladet|date=20 November 1999}}</ref> This is as he in his first term as mayor achieved full [[kindergarten]] coverage, full [[nursing home]] coverage and started a program of well-being and health journeys to [[Spain]] and related locations. It was also established a "full" stop of immigration and a local [[Vinmonopolet|Vinmonopol]] store.<ref name=uts/> Successful in being consecutively elected as mayor from 2003 to 2007, in this term the main issues was development of the [[Osøyro|city centre]], better [[drug addiction]] recovery programs, development of schools and construction of a [[waterpark]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://web3.aftenbladet.no/innenriks/politikk/article357589.ece|work=Aftenbladet|title=Søviknes vurderer comeback|date=9 October 2006|first=Margunn|last=Ueland|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930015847/http://web3.aftenbladet.no/innenriks/politikk/article357589.ece|archivedate=30 September 2007}}</ref> While the municipality was struggling with large [[Government budget deficit|deficits]] before Søviknes became mayor, this has since been turned into a significant [[Economic surplus|surplus]] as of 2004.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dn.no/forsiden/politikkSamfunn/article443383.ece|title=Os kommune med overskudd|work=Dagens Næringsliv|date=18 February 2005}}</ref> His successful career as mayor of Os has gained him the nickname the "Wizard of Os" by the media.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://arkiv.na24.no/Nyhet/255898/Bedre+betalt+enn+Stoltenberg.html|title=Bedre betalt enn Stoltenberg|first=Gry Elisabeth|last=Veiby|work=NA24|date=1 September 2007}}{{Dead link|date=June 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }}</ref>


===Minister of Petroleum and Energy===
===Minister of Petroleum and Energy===
On 20 December 2016 Søviknes was appointed Minister of Petroleum and Energy in the [[Solberg Cabinet]], succeeding fellow party member [[Tord Lien]]. He resigned in late August 2018 citing family reasons, and instead returned to become mayor of Os, a position he held for a year until Os was merged with [[Fusa]] to become [[Bjørnafjorden]] municipality in 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/RR2jlO/2018-soeviknes-ville-ha-mer-tid-til-familien-2019-greit-for-barna-med-statsraad-comeback | title= 2018: Søviknes Wants More Time for the Family - 2019: Okay for the Children to Make a Minister Comeback | date= 18 December 2019 | accessdate= 13 January 2020}}</ref>
On 20 December 2016, Søviknes was appointed Minister of Petroleum and Energy in the [[Solberg Cabinet]], succeeding fellow party member [[Tord Lien]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.fvn.no/nyheter/i/8M09Q/solberg-lover-at-nye-statsraader-skal-holde-seg-til-manus | title = Solberg lover at nye statsråder skal holde seg til manus | publisher = [[Fædrelandsvennen]] | date = 20 December 2016 | access-date = 30 October 2023 | language = no}}</ref>

In October 2017, he was found to have misinformed the [[Storting]] about a controversial petroleum project's finalisation date. The project was scheduled to be finished in 2022, three years after what Søviknes had previously stated.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/oljeminister-terje-soviknes-feilinformerte-stortinget---veldig-alvorlig/68813590 | title = Oljeminister Terje Søviknes feilinformerte Stortinget: - Veldig alvorlig | publisher = [[Dagbladet]] | date= 23 October 2017 | access-date= 9 April 2022 | language = no}}</ref>

During his tenure, the government approved for Norway to join the [[European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators]] or Acer in 2018. This faced heavy opposition from people against the EU, even escalating to Søviknes receiving death threats.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nrk.no/vestland/difor-er-acer-debatten-annleis-enn-andre-debattar-1.16614003 | title = Difor er Acer-debatten annleis enn andre debattar | publisher = [[NRK]] Vestland | date = 30 October 2023 | access-date = 30 October 2023 | language = nn}}</ref>

He resigned in late August 2018 citing family reasons, and instead returned to become mayor of Os, a position he held for a year until Os was merged with [[Fusa]] to become [[Bjørnafjorden (municipality)|Bjørnafjorden]] municipality in 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.smp.no/nyheter/2018/08/30/Trekker-seg-som-samferdselsminister-Jon-Georg-Dale-overtar-17424313.ece | title= Trekker seg som samferdselsminister - Jon Georg Dsle overtar | publisher= Sunmørsposten | date= 30 August 2018 | accessdate= 16 April 2021 | language= Norwegian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/RR2jlO/2018-soeviknes-ville-ha-mer-tid-til-familien-2019-greit-for-barna-med-statsraad-comeback | title= 2018: Søviknes ville ha mer tid til familien. 2019: Greit for barna med statsråd-comeback | publisher = [[Verdens Gang]] | date= 18 December 2019 | accessdate= 13 January 2020 | language = no}}</ref>


===Minister of the Elderly and Public Health===
===Minister of the Elderly and Public Health===
In December 2019, Erna Solberg commenced a reshuffle where she appointed Søviknes to become Minister of the Elderly and Public Health succeeding fellow party member [[Sylvi Listhaug]], who had been appointed as Minister of Petroleum and Energy. Like Listhaug, his term was cut short after a month when the Progress Party withdrew from the government, citing conflict within the government about bringing an ISIS associated women and her sick children home.
In December 2019, Erna Solberg commenced a reshuffle where she appointed Søviknes to become Minister of the Elderly and Public Health succeeding fellow party member [[Sylvi Listhaug]], who had been appointed as Minister of Petroleum and Energy. Like Listhaug, his term was cut short after a month when the Progress Party withdrew from the government, citing conflict within the government about bringing an ISIS associated woman and her sick children home.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.nrk.no/norge/frp-gar-ut-av-regjering-1.14867637 | title = Frp går ut av regjering | publisher = [[NRK]] | date= 20 January 2020 | accessdate= 20 January 2020 | language = Norwegian}}</ref>

===Second term as deputy leader===
Søviknes was re-elected as the party's second deputy leader at the party congress on 5 May 2019, succeeding [[Ketil Solvik-Olsen]] who didn't stand for re-election citing family reasons.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.dagsavisen.no/nyheter/innenriks/ny-ledertrio-klar-i-frp-1.1477320 | title= Ny ledertrio klar i FrP | date= 5 May 2019 | accessdate = 20 February 2021 | language= Norwegian | publisher= [[Dagsavisen]]}}</ref> In 2021, following Siv Jensen's announced departure as party leader, Søviknes said he was open to continue as second deputy leader if Listhaug was elected her successor.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.bt.no/nyheter/lokalt/i/PRjzl0/terje-soeviknes-vil-fortsette-i-frp-ledelsen | title= Terje Søviknes vil fortsette i FrP-ledelsen | publisher= [[Bergens Tidende]] | date= 19 February 2021 | accessdate = 20 February 2021 | language= Norwegian}}</ref> Listhaug was subsequently elected party leader at the party convention, with Ketil Solvik-Olsen as first deputy leader, while Søviknes was re-elected as second deputy.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.adressa.no/nyheter/innenriks/2021/05/08/Sylvi-Listhaug-valgt-til-ny-leder-i-Fremskrittspartiet-23933632.ece | title= Sylvi Listhaug valgt til ny leder i Fremskrittspartiet | language= no | publisher= Adressa | date= 8 May 2021 | accessdate= 8 May 2021}}</ref>

===Mayor of Bjørnafjorden===
He was the Bjørnafjorden Progress Party's mayoral candidate in the [[2023 Norwegian local elections|2023 local elections]]. His party became the largest party and soon after announced that they would be working with the Conservatives for the next council term, and that he would become mayor and the Conservatives' Marie Bruarøy deputy mayor.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/KnAyPM/bt-terje-soeviknes-blir-ordfoerer-i-bjoernafjorden | title = Terje Søviknes blir ordfører i Bjørnafjorden: − Føles godt | publisher = [[Verdens Gang]] | date = 13 September 2023 | access-date = 14 September 2023 | language = no}}</ref> Both officially assumed office on 19 October.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bt.no/btmeninger/kommentar/i/onQyWK/han-tapte-makta-for-fire-aar-sidan-no-er-terje-soeviknes-blitt-ordfoerar-for-sjette-gong | title = Han tapte makta for fire år sidan. No er Terje Søviknes blitt ordførar for sjette gong. | publisher = [[Bergens Tidende]] | date = 19 October 2023 | access-date = 27 October 2023 | language = nn}}</ref>

In December 2023, he acknowledged that he had been storing 30 [[lobster]]s beyond the peacetime deadline of 1 December, which the [[Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries]] uncovered during an inspection of his dock on 4 December.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/xg6XgB/ordfoerer-terje-soeviknes-tatt-i-hummerkontroll-legger-seg-flat | title = Ordfører Terje Søviknes tatt i hummerkontroll – legger seg flat | publisher = [[Verdens Gang]] | date = 6 December 2023 | access-date = 10 December 2023 | language = no}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Søviknes married his first wife, Janniche Askeland in 1998 and they have two children together.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tv2nyhetene.no/valg09/velgerguiden/fylke/hordaland/frp/terje-soviknes/|title=Terje Søviknes|work=TV2}}</ref> In October 2011 they announced that they were separating.<ref>{{cite news|last=Holmlund|first=Jan|title=Terje Søviknes og kone skiller lag|url=http://www.kjendis.no/2011/09/29/kjendis/brudd/politikk/terje_soviknes/frp/18349444/|accessdate=13 October 2012|newspaper=Kjendis.no|date=29 October 2011|language=Norwegian}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bruarøy|first=Kjetil|title=Søviknes separerer seg|url=http://www.midtsiden.no/soviknes-separerer-seg|accessdate=13 October 2012|newspaper=Midtsian.no|date=28 October 2011|language=Norwegian}}</ref> Søviknes is an avid [[Contract bridge|bridge]] enthusiast and former president of the Os Bridge Club.
Søviknes married Janniche Askeland in 1998 and they have two children together.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tv2nyhetene.no/valg09/velgerguiden/fylke/hordaland/frp/terje-soviknes/|title=Terje Søviknes|work=TV2}}</ref> In October 2011 they announced that they were separating.<ref>{{cite news|last=Holmlund|first=Jan|title=Terje Søviknes og kone skiller lag|url=http://www.kjendis.no/2011/09/29/kjendis/brudd/politikk/terje_soviknes/frp/18349444/|accessdate=13 October 2012|newspaper=Kjendis.no|date=29 October 2011|language=Norwegian}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bruarøy|first=Kjetil|title=Søviknes separerer seg|url=http://www.midtsiden.no/soviknes-separerer-seg|accessdate=13 October 2012|newspaper=Midtsian.no|date=28 October 2011|language=Norwegian}}</ref> Søviknes is an avid [[Contract bridge|bridge]] enthusiast and former president of the Os Bridge Club.


===Awards===
===Awards===
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{{S-start}}
{{S-start}}
{{s-off}}
{{s-off}}
{{succession box | before= [[Sylvi Listhaug]] | title= [[Minister of Health and Care Services (Norway)#Minister of the Elderly and Public Health|Minister of the Elderly and Public Health]] | years=2019&ndash;2020 | after= Position abolished}}
{{s-bef| before= [[Sylvi Listhaug]]}}
{{s-ttl| title= [[Minister of Health and Care Services (Norway)#Minister of the Elderly and Public Health|Minister of the Elderly and Public Health]] | years=2019&ndash;2020}}
{{s-non|reason=Position abolished}}
{{succession box | before= [[Tord Lien]] | title= [[Minister of Petroleum and Energy]] | years= 2016&ndash;2018 | after= [[Kjell-Børge Freiberg]]}}
{{succession box | before= [[Tord Lien]] | title= [[Minister of Petroleum and Energy]] | years= 2016&ndash;2018 | after= [[Kjell-Børge Freiberg]]}}
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef | before = [[Ketil Solvik-Olsen]]}}
{{s-ttl | title = Second Deputy Leader of the [[Progress Party (Norway)|Progress Party]] | years = 2019&ndash;present}}
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{{s-bef | before = [[Vidar Kleppe]]}}
{{s-ttl | title = Second Deputy Leader of the [[Progress Party (Norway)|Progress Party]] | years = 1999&ndash;2001}}
{{s-aft | after = [[John Alvheim]]}}
{{s-civ}}
{{s-civ}}
{{s-bef | before = Trine Lindborg}}
{{s-ttl | title = [[Mayor]] of [[Bjørnafjorden (municipality)|Bjørnafjorden]] | years = 2023&ndash;present}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-bef| before = Marie Lunde Bruraøy}}
{{s-bef| before = Marie Lunde Bruraøy}}
{{s-ttl| title = [[Os, Hordaland|Mayor of Os]] | years=2018&ndash;2019}}
{{s-ttl| title = [[Mayor]] of [[Os, Hordaland|Os]] | years=2018&ndash;2019}}
{{s-aft| after = Position abolished}}
{{s-non|reason=Position abolished}}
{{s-bef| before = Geirmund Dyrdal}}
{{s-bef| before = Geirmund Dyrdal}}
{{s-ttl| title = [[Os, Hordaland|Mayor of Os]] | years=1999&ndash;2016}}
{{s-ttl| title = [[Mayor]] of [[Os, Hordaland|Os]] | years=1999&ndash;2016}}
{{s-aft| after = Marie Lunde Bruraøy}}
{{s-aft| after = Marie Lunde Bruraøy}}
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[[Category:Progress Party (Norway) politicians]]
[[Category:Political sex scandals in Norway]]
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[[Category:Norwegian School of Economics alumni]]
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[[Category:Bergen University College alumni]]
[[Category:Bergen University College alumni]]
[[Category:Petroleum and energy ministers of Norway]]
[[Category:Ministers of energy of Norway]]

Latest revision as of 14:24, 4 November 2024

Terje Søviknes
Mayor of Bjørnafjorden
Assumed office
19 October 2023
DeputyMarie Lunde Bruraøy
Preceded byTrine Lindborg
Minister of the Elderly and Public Health
In office
18 December 2019 – 24 January 2020
Prime MinisterErna Solberg
Preceded bySylvi Listhaug
Succeeded byPosition abolished
Minister of Petroleum and Energy
In office
20 December 2016 (2016-12-20) – 31 August 2018 (2018-08-31)
Prime MinisterErna Solberg
Preceded byTord Lien
Succeeded byKjell-Børge Freiberg
Mayor of Os
In office
1 September 2018 – 29 October 2019
DeputyMarie Lunde Bruarøy
Preceded byMarie Lunde Bruraøy
Succeeded byPosition abolished
In office
October 1999 – 20 December 2016
DeputyLisbeth Lunde Axelsen
Børge Lunde
Marie Lunde Bruarøy
Preceded byGeirmund Dyrdal
Succeeded byMarie Lunde Bruraøy
Second Deputy Leader of the Progress Party
Assumed office
5 May 2019
LeaderSiv Jensen
Sylvi Listhaug
Preceded byKetil Solvik-Olsen
In office
2 May 1999 – 12 February 2001
LeaderCarl I. Hagen
Preceded byVidar Kleppe
Succeeded byJohn Alvheim
Personal details
Born (1969-02-28) 28 February 1969 (age 55)
Os, Hordaland, Norway
Political partyProgress
Spouse
Janniche Askeland
(m. 1998; div. 2011)
Children2
Alma materBergen University College
Norwegian School of Economics

Terje Søviknes (born 28 February 1969) is a Norwegian politician for the Progress Party who has served as the mayor of Bjørnafjorden since 2023. He previously served as minister of petroleum and energy from December 2016 to August 2018. From December 2019 to January 2020 he was the minister of the elderly and public health. He also serves as the party's second deputy leader since 2019, a post he previously held from 1999 to 2001.

Søviknes was the first politician of his party to become mayor of a Norwegian municipality, namely Os, Hordaland in 1999, and one of the longest-serving, retaining the position for five consecutive elections until his 2016 government appointment.[1]

Early life and education

[edit]

Søviknes was born in Os, Norway to metalworker and fisherman Eirik Søviknes (born 1939) and store clerk Gunn Drange (born 1942). He grew up on Søvikneset in Lysefjorden.[2] He attended Os Senior high school from 1985 to 1988. He earned a degree in marine engineering from Bergen College of Engineering in 1992, and later studied at the Norwegian School of Economics.[3]

Political career

[edit]

Early career and sex scandal

[edit]

From 1999 to 2001, Søviknes was the second deputy leader of the Progress Party together with Siv Jensen, and was considered as a possible successor to Carl I. Hagen as leader of the party. He however became controversial after an incident at a party congress in 2001 where he had sexually abused a 16-year-old intoxicated member of the Youth of the Progress Party.[4][5] Søviknes retained his position as mayor of Os (since 1999) and did not lose his local support after the incident.

Mayor of Os

[edit]

After first being elected mayor following the 1999 local elections, his local party's support subsequently surged from 36.6 to 45.7% (the highest share of votes for the party in a municipality for the election) in the 2003 local elections. The success was repeated in the 2007 local elections when he was reelected by a landslide. The candidate from the Conservative Party who came in second, jokingly commented that "You don't challenge Terje Søviknes in Os."[6] He was yet again reelected in the 2011 local elections, this time however by a far lesser margin. This led to speculation that he could be ousted from power by a coalition of the other parties. Søviknes remained in power with the support of the Conservative Party.[7] He won a fifth term at the 2015 local elections with 39.5% of the vote.[8] With Os being merged with the neighbouring Fusa municipality, Søviknes led his local party into the 2019 local elections, securing 32% of the vote in the new Bjørnafjorden municipality. Despite this, the Labour Party secured a majority with the Centre Party, with Trine Lindborg ultimately becoming mayor.[9]

Os has since by himself and the media been seen as a showcase municipality for the Progress Party.[10] This is as he in his first term as mayor achieved full kindergarten coverage, full nursing home coverage and started a program of well-being and health journeys to Spain and related locations. It was also established a "full" stop of immigration and a local Vinmonopol store.[10] Successful in being consecutively elected as mayor from 2003 to 2007, in this term the main issues was development of the city centre, better drug addiction recovery programs, development of schools and construction of a waterpark.[11] While the municipality was struggling with large deficits before Søviknes became mayor, this has since been turned into a significant surplus as of 2004.[12] His successful career as mayor of Os has gained him the nickname the "Wizard of Os" by the media.[13]

Minister of Petroleum and Energy

[edit]

On 20 December 2016, Søviknes was appointed Minister of Petroleum and Energy in the Solberg Cabinet, succeeding fellow party member Tord Lien.[14]

In October 2017, he was found to have misinformed the Storting about a controversial petroleum project's finalisation date. The project was scheduled to be finished in 2022, three years after what Søviknes had previously stated.[15]

During his tenure, the government approved for Norway to join the European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators or Acer in 2018. This faced heavy opposition from people against the EU, even escalating to Søviknes receiving death threats.[16]

He resigned in late August 2018 citing family reasons, and instead returned to become mayor of Os, a position he held for a year until Os was merged with Fusa to become Bjørnafjorden municipality in 2020.[17][18]

Minister of the Elderly and Public Health

[edit]

In December 2019, Erna Solberg commenced a reshuffle where she appointed Søviknes to become Minister of the Elderly and Public Health succeeding fellow party member Sylvi Listhaug, who had been appointed as Minister of Petroleum and Energy. Like Listhaug, his term was cut short after a month when the Progress Party withdrew from the government, citing conflict within the government about bringing an ISIS associated woman and her sick children home.[19]

Second term as deputy leader

[edit]

Søviknes was re-elected as the party's second deputy leader at the party congress on 5 May 2019, succeeding Ketil Solvik-Olsen who didn't stand for re-election citing family reasons.[20] In 2021, following Siv Jensen's announced departure as party leader, Søviknes said he was open to continue as second deputy leader if Listhaug was elected her successor.[21] Listhaug was subsequently elected party leader at the party convention, with Ketil Solvik-Olsen as first deputy leader, while Søviknes was re-elected as second deputy.[22]

Mayor of Bjørnafjorden

[edit]

He was the Bjørnafjorden Progress Party's mayoral candidate in the 2023 local elections. His party became the largest party and soon after announced that they would be working with the Conservatives for the next council term, and that he would become mayor and the Conservatives' Marie Bruarøy deputy mayor.[23] Both officially assumed office on 19 October.[24]

In December 2023, he acknowledged that he had been storing 30 lobsters beyond the peacetime deadline of 1 December, which the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries uncovered during an inspection of his dock on 4 December.[25]

Personal life

[edit]

Søviknes married Janniche Askeland in 1998 and they have two children together.[26] In October 2011 they announced that they were separating.[27][28] Søviknes is an avid bridge enthusiast and former president of the Os Bridge Club.

Awards

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Terje Søviknes". Store norske leksikon. Oslo: Kunnskapsforlaget. Retrieved 30 May 2009.
  2. ^ Heggland, Gunvor. "Ordførar Terje Søviknes" (in Norwegian). Os kommune. Archived from the original on 8 September 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  3. ^ "Terje Søviknes" (in Norwegian). Storting. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  4. ^ "16-åringen snakket ut" (in Norwegian). ba.no. 24 December 2002. Retrieved 30 May 2009.
  5. ^ Tor Midtbø (2012). "Do Mediated Political Scandals Affect Party Popularity in Norway?". In Sigurd Allern; Ester Pollack (eds.). Scandalous!: The Mediated Construction of Political Scandals in Four Nordic Countries. Gothenburg: Nordicom, University of Gothenburg. p. 155. ISBN 978-91-86523-27-5.
  6. ^ Solvang, Øystein (10 November 2007). "Ikke all makt til Søviknes". Nrk.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  7. ^ Skarvøy, Lars-Joakim (15 October 2011). "Terje Søviknes fortsetter som Os-ordfører". Vg.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  8. ^ "Terje Søviknes: En vinner blant tapere" (in Norwegian). Nationen. 17 September 2015. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  9. ^ "Direkte: Første møte i Bjørnafjorden kommunestyre" (in Norwegian Nynorsk). Midtsiden. 29 October 2019. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  10. ^ a b Rønning, Tone (20 November 1999). "Hagens lille rike Os - utstillingsvindu for Frp's politikk". Dagbladet. Archived from the original on 22 February 2013.
  11. ^ Ueland, Margunn (9 October 2006). "Søviknes vurderer comeback". Aftenbladet. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007.
  12. ^ "Os kommune med overskudd". Dagens Næringsliv. 18 February 2005.
  13. ^ Veiby, Gry Elisabeth (1 September 2007). "Bedre betalt enn Stoltenberg". NA24.[permanent dead link]
  14. ^ "Solberg lover at nye statsråder skal holde seg til manus" (in Norwegian). Fædrelandsvennen. 20 December 2016. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  15. ^ "Oljeminister Terje Søviknes feilinformerte Stortinget: - Veldig alvorlig" (in Norwegian). Dagbladet. 23 October 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  16. ^ "Difor er Acer-debatten annleis enn andre debattar" (in Norwegian Nynorsk). NRK Vestland. 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  17. ^ "Trekker seg som samferdselsminister - Jon Georg Dsle overtar" (in Norwegian). Sunmørsposten. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  18. ^ "2018: Søviknes ville ha mer tid til familien. 2019: Greit for barna med statsråd-comeback" (in Norwegian). Verdens Gang. 18 December 2019. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
  19. ^ "Frp går ut av regjering" (in Norwegian). NRK. 20 January 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  20. ^ "Ny ledertrio klar i FrP" (in Norwegian). Dagsavisen. 5 May 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  21. ^ "Terje Søviknes vil fortsette i FrP-ledelsen" (in Norwegian). Bergens Tidende. 19 February 2021. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  22. ^ "Sylvi Listhaug valgt til ny leder i Fremskrittspartiet" (in Norwegian). Adressa. 8 May 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  23. ^ "Terje Søviknes blir ordfører i Bjørnafjorden: − Føles godt" (in Norwegian). Verdens Gang. 13 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  24. ^ "Han tapte makta for fire år sidan. No er Terje Søviknes blitt ordførar for sjette gong" (in Norwegian Nynorsk). Bergens Tidende. 19 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  25. ^ "Ordfører Terje Søviknes tatt i hummerkontroll – legger seg flat" (in Norwegian). Verdens Gang. 6 December 2023. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  26. ^ "Terje Søviknes". TV2.
  27. ^ Holmlund, Jan (29 October 2011). "Terje Søviknes og kone skiller lag". Kjendis.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  28. ^ Bruarøy, Kjetil (28 October 2011). "Søviknes separerer seg". Midtsian.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  29. ^ Valaker, Ole (29 November 2011). "Terje Søviknes og Os kommune fikk klimapris". aftenposten.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 13 October 2012.
Political offices
Preceded by Minister of the Elderly and Public Health
2019–2020
Position abolished
Preceded by Minister of Petroleum and Energy
2016–2018
Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded by Second Deputy Leader of the Progress Party
2019–present
Incumbent
Preceded by Second Deputy Leader of the Progress Party
1999–2001
Succeeded by
Civic offices
Preceded by
Trine Lindborg
Mayor of Bjørnafjorden
2023–present
Incumbent
Preceded by
Marie Lunde Bruraøy
Mayor of Os
2018–2019
Position abolished
Preceded by
Geirmund Dyrdal
Mayor of Os
1999–2016
Succeeded by
Marie Lunde Bruraøy