Bergfrid Fjose (31 March 1915 – 13 May 2004) was a Norwegian politician affiliated with the Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti). She served as Norway’s Minister of Social Affairs from October 1972 to October 1973 in the cabinet of Prime Minister Lars Korvald, and was a member of the Storting (the Norwegian Parliament) representing Hordaland from 1969 to 1977. Fjose was the first woman elected to the Storting from her party.
Early life and education
Born Bergfrid Mannsåker in Ullensvang municipality, she was the daughter of priest‑politician Jon Mannsåker and sister of historian Dagfinn Mannsåker. She completed teacher training in 1938 and worked as a schoolteacher at Valdres folk high school (1938–1943). During World War II she spent 1943‑45 as a refugee in Sweden.
Local political career
After the war, Fjose held municipal positions in Kvam (1947‑49), Voss (1952‑57) and Årdal (1959‑67), serving on various municipal councils. She chaired her local party chapter from 1968 to 1969.
Parliamentary service
Elected to the Storting in 1969, Fjose was re‑elected once. In parliament she led informal groups focused on temperance and the promotion of Nynorsk (one of Norway’s written standards). While serving as minister, she was temporarily replaced in the Storting by Gunnar Mjånes and later by Magne Haldorsen.
Ministerial tenure
As Minister of Social Affairs, Fjose oversaw policies concerning social welfare and was a board member of Vinmonopolet (the state wine monopoly) from 1964 to 1978. During her term the monopoly introduced unmarked gray plastic bags for wine purchases, colloquially dubbed “fjose‑pose” after her surname.
Later activities
Fjose remained active in cultural and peace organizations, including Noregs Mållag (the Norwegian language society), Aksjonen mot Atomvåpen (Action against Nuclear Weapons), and the National Council for Senior Citizens (1989‑91).
Personal life
She married Olav Fjose. Bergfrid Fjose died in Voss, Hordaland, at the age of 89.