The party leadership condemned the statements as unacceptable. Party leader Sylvi Listhaug called the remarks 'totally unacceptable' and 'racist expressions' during a press conference. Party secretary Helge Fossum stated that the expression is contrary to the party's values and that Frp has zero tolerance for such expressions.
According to TV 2, the conversation took place at a bar before Frp's national meeting this weekend, and two TV 2 journalists were present and recorded it. The exact full context of the conversation remains unclear, including whether it was private or public. It is also unknown whether Hansen was given any warning or opportunity to resign before termination, and how he has responded to the decision.
In connection with the unacceptable statements, we have had a dialogue with him since we became aware of the matter. Frp has zero tolerance for such expressions and we also experience that he has understood the seriousness of the case.
Fossum said in a press release that in connection with the unacceptable statements, the party had a dialogue with Hansen since becoming aware of the matter, and that Frp has zero tolerance for such expressions, adding that they experience he has understood the seriousness of the case. Listhaug added that these are racist expressions that do not belong in the Progress Party, and that the party was clear from the start that this was totally unacceptable, emphasizing that she was concerned with calling it racist expressions and saw that it was absolutely necessary. Fossum also emphasized that the party's immigration policy is sustainable and that there is no connection between the party's values and Hansen's remarks.
Hansen served as an advisor to Simen Velle, the leader of the party's youth wing, and his termination was effective immediately, with both his employment and party membership revoked. The incident has sparked internal discussions about the party's stance on racism and its vetting processes for staff. The party has faced previous controversies over members' statements, but leadership has consistently sought to distance the party from extremist views.
These are racist expressions that do not belong in the Progress Party. We were clear from the start that this was totally unacceptable. And I was concerned with calling it racist expressions. I saw that it was absolutely necessary.
The recording by TV 2 journalists has raised questions about the nature of the conversation and whether it was intended to be private, though the party has focused on the content of the remarks rather than the circumstances of their disclosure. Hansen has not publicly commented on the termination, and it remains unclear if he will challenge the decision. The party has stated that it will review its internal guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
We have, based on the party's policy and value foundation, stood up for a sustainable immigration policy for decades. A policy that in many areas has become Norwegian policy and practice. There is no connection in this, and the individual case that has now been.