Statement by IDU Chairman Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper on the 90th Birthday of former IDU Chairman Kåre Willoch

Mr. Willoch served in numerous roles during a political career that spanned over three decades. He was Norway’s Minister of Transportation in 1963 and 1965–1970, President of the Nordic Council in 1973, and Prime Minister from 1981 to 1986. He also was Chairman of Høyre, the Conservative Party of Norway, from 1970–197

In 1983, Prime Minister Willoch was present at the first meeting of the IDU on behalf of Høyre and, as one of IDU’s founding fathers, signed the London Declaration. At that meeting, P.M. Willoch explained the role of the IDU: “International cooperation must work on different levels, if it can succeed in improving our national positions. One important aspect of this is that cooperation between governments and parliamentarians will be greatly strengthened when the wide network of friendly contacts develops across the borders between parties and personalities. Through the creation of our International Democrat Union, our parties will be contributing in an important way to the strength of the fundamental relationship which already exists between our nations.”
In 1987, P.M. Willoch succeeded Alois Mock as Chairman of the IDU. During his chairmanship, he would witness the downfall of the Iron Curtain and the end of the Cold War. Most importantly, Chairman Willoch reminded us that the struggle would continue: “Of basic importance is the never-ending fight to preserve and develop the democratic ideas upon which all societies are founded. All democratic nations, great and small, are dependent upon the strength and vitality of democratic institutions and ideals, not only within their own borders but in the world as a whole.”
On behalf of the International Democrat Union and all its member-parties, I want to express my gratitude to Kåre Willoch for to his dedication to the IDU and its values. He is a true champion of freedom and democracy who helped to give us the peace and prosperity that we enjoy today. We wish him and his family all the best on this special day.

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper
Chairman, International Democrat Union
22nd Prime Minister of Canada

The International Democrat Union is the world’s leading association of conservative, Christian-democratic, and centre-right political parties. With more than 80 member parties around the world, the IDU connects conservatives globally in support of freedom and democracy.