Per Sandberg

Per Sandberg (born February 6, 1960, Levanger, Norway) is a Norwegian politician, and a member of the Progress Party (FRP), where he is vice chairman.

He made headlines when in 1997 he punched and headbutted an asylum seeker after the latter had given him offensive remarks. Sandberg was found guilty and fined 3,000 NOK.

In mid-autumn 2006, Sandberg, who is his party's spokesman for transport, was caught driving at a speed of 100 km/h in a 60 km/h sone i Målselv in Troms fylke, for which he got a suspended sentence of 21 days, lost his driver's license for eight months and was fined NOK 9000. [Robin Stenersen, [http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=169518 Per Sandberg mistet lappen] , VG Nett, 29th Nevember 2006.] Subsequently, on 12 December 2006 he addressed the Norwegian parliament (Stortinget) while being visibly influenced by alcohol. He later admitted to having consumed three shots of Akvavit and a beer before addressing parliament. [Nicoloi Heyerdahl, [http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/politikk/article1569623.ece Drakk tre akevitt før han talte i Stortinget] , Aftenposten, 14th December 2006.] The president of the parliament, Torbjørn Jagland, said that "to address parliament under the influence of alcohol is something one just does not do. It has got to do with respect for parliament and for one self". FRP's chairman, Siv Jensen, expressed her satisfaction with her deputy's speech, but many other members of parliament and the press were critical of Sandberg. Sandberg, who throughout his political career has been quick to criticise anyone who does not follow the law, responded to the criticism by taking out a sick leave. [Camilla Ryste, [http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=144073 Per Sandberg sykmeldt] , VG Nett, 14th December 2006]

References