Per Sandberg

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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.

The autumn of 2006 has been a busy mount for Mr Sandberg, who is his party's spokesman for transport. In mid autumn he got 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 drivers licence for eight months and was fined NOK 9000^[1].

Undeterred, on the 12th of 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 ^[2]. The president of the parliament, Mr Torbjørn Jagland, when asked to comment on the incident, said "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". The FRP leader, Miss Siv Jensen, however, expressed her satisfaction with her deputy's speech. The press and other members of parliament were of a different opinion. Mr Sandberg, who throughout his political carrier has been quick to criticise anybody else that do not follow the law, has responded to the criticism by taking out a sick leave ^[3].

[edit] References

1. ^ Robin Stenersen, Per Sandberg mistet lappen, VG Nett, 29th Nevember 2006.
2. ^ Nicoloi Heyerdahl, Drakk tre akevitt før han talte i Stortinget, Aftenposten, 14th December 2006.
3. ^ Camilla Ryste, Per Sandberg sykmeldt, VG Nett, 14th December 2006