On Monday, Kari Elisabeth Kaski told that she will not stand for re-election to the Storting.
She points to internal disputes and power struggles as one of the reasons why she now wants out of national politics.
– I have been in very tough matches abroad. Then it is much more difficult to fight within. I also think I have been in a lot of matches inside compared to quite a few others.
Kari Elisabeth Kaski has had enough. She will not continue in the Storting.
Photo: Ingrid Kjelland-Mørdre / NRK
In 2022, Kaski became pregnant with twins, but she lost one child. At the same time, a leadership battle was taking place in the party between her and Kirsti Bergstø.
– During that period, I was in an incredibly vulnerable phase of my life. I had an incredibly tough time on a personal and private level. Then it is incredibly tough to stand in such internal disputes that are about positions of power.
– Were you accused of using your situation in the leadership dispute?
– I partly became that, yes.
– Should have gone without saying
Kirsti Bergstø won the battle, and became party leader. She confirms to NRK that the leadership dispute was not a pretty sight.
– The leadership question in SV was not a battle between her and me. But I completely agree with her that things were said in the process that should have been left unsaid.
Kirsti Bergstø says it is a shame that Kaski will not run for re-election.
Photo: Amanda Iversen Orlich / NRK
Bergstø says that she and Kaski have talked about this afterwards.
– It is especially when things are put to the fore in personal elections that the ugly nature of politics can emerge.
Kaski is aware that she and Bergstø are very different politicians, but says that is not the reason why she is leaving.
– My relationship with Kirsti and our disagreements on the matter have not influenced this decision.
Open for a comeback
Kaski still has a year left in the Storting before she resigns. She has represented Oslo since 2017. But how final this election is, it is unknown.
– I don’t want to close any doors, but I don’t keep them wide open either.
– We will see.
She is still not afraid to slam the door again.
– The PR industry?
– No, it is completely out of the question.
Published 16.04.2024, at 21.43