Capitalist Party (Liberalistene) — Norway’s classical‑liberal political party

Core principles

At the center of the party's outlook are a set of recurrent themes and policy goals. These can be summarized as:

• Reduction of state scope and public spending, with a focus on decentralization and local decision‑making.
• Low taxation and simplified tax systems to promote entrepreneurship and investment.
• Privatization and market provision of many services traditionally run by government.
• Removal of excessive regulation to encourage competition and innovation.
• Robust protection of civil liberties, free expression and property rights.
• Support for open trade and a free market economy.

The movement draws on ideas associated with classical liberalism, arguing that societies prosper when individuals are free to make economic and personal choices with minimal coercive interference.

Historically, parties and groups that label themselves liberalist or capitalist in Scandinavia emerged from a reaction against large welfare‑state arrangements and high taxation. In Norway this strand has remained a smaller, ideologically focused presence in a political landscape dominated by broader social‑democratic, conservative and centrist parties. Its supporters typically include entrepreneurs, advocates of market reforms and voters who prioritize individual autonomy over collective redistribution.

In practice, the Capitalist Party functions as a voice for market‑oriented reform within public debate. It campaigns on concrete proposals such as privatizing certain public services, simplifying labor rules, and limiting the size and reach of the public sector. While its electoral impact has been modest compared with major parties, it contributes to policy discussions about the role of the state, taxation and regulation.

Distinguishing features include a stricter free‑market stance than mainstream liberal parties and a clearer ideological commitment to minimizing government intervention. The party is sometimes described as libertarian or right‑liberal in international comparisons. Readers seeking an introduction to the broader intellectual tradition can consult resources on classical liberalism and market economics via the links above.