Kåre Willoch – corrupt or upright?

Kåre Willoch was one of the most influential Norwegian politicians of the post-war era. He helped shape the Conservative Party over several decades, led the party during the conservative wave and became Prime Minister in 1981.

But Willoch was also a far more complex figure than the story of the great liberaliser might suggest. He could be uncompromising and pragmatic, aristocratic and down-to-earth, conservative and surprisingly radical.

In his new biography of Kåre Willoch, Professor of Economic History Einar Lie reveals that Willoch was also involved in questionable activities. Throughout his career, he received secret payments from influential figures in Norwegian society. Was Willoch simply corrupt?

And if so, what does this mean for the legacy of the man who led the Conservative Party during its heyday?

KÅKÅnomics invites you to look back at a political giant – and a man full of contradictions.

Einar Lie is Professor of Economic History at the University of Oslo and author of Kåre Willoch. En biografi.

Tina Søreide is Professor of Law and Economics at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) and one of Norway’s leading experts on corruption.

Tina Bru is a partner and adviser at First House, and a former Minister of Petroleum and Energy and Deputy Leader of the Høyre Party.

Please note that this event will be mainly conducted in Norwegian.