2026 Grand Marshal

Erna Solberg - Former Prime Minister and current Member of Parliament

Erna Solberg is a Norwegian politician who served as Prime Minister of Norway from 2013 to 2021 and has been one of the most influential figures in modern Norwegian politics. A member of the Conservative Party (Høyre), she has represented Hordaland in the Storting since 1989 and became party leader in 2004, a position she held for more than two decades.

Before becoming prime minister, Solberg served as Minister of Local Government and Regional Development from 2001 to 2005, where she worked on reforms related to immigration, municipal administration, and regional development. Her long tenure as party leader helped reshape the Conservative Party’s platform around economic stability, education, and modernization of public services.

As prime minister, Solberg led a series of coalition governments and guided Norway through shifting economic conditions, including fluctuations in global oil markets. Her government emphasized job creation, innovation, and strengthening Norway’s welfare systems. She also played a prominent role internationally, representing Norway in global forums and advancing issues such as sustainable development and international cooperation.

After the 2021 election, Solberg became Leader of the Opposition, continuing to play a central role in national politics. In 2025, she announced that she would step down as party leader in 2026, marking the end of a significant era for the Conservative Party.

Solberg remains widely recognized for her steady leadership style, her ability to build coalitions, and her long-standing commitment to public service in Norway.