Former Norwegian Fisheries Minister Per Sandberg, 66, has traded political life in Oslo for a new chapter in Vietnam, where he now runs a health center in the coastal city of Da Nang alongside his Vietnamese partner, Nguyen Thi Huong—known as “Lucky.” The move marks a dramatic shift for the former Progressive Party deputy leader, whose career was defined by controversy, from his secret 2018 trip to Iran with his then-partner Bahareh Letnes to his fiery political rhetoric and eventual exit from Norwegian politics.
From Scandal to Transformation
Sandberg insists his departure from politics in 2018 was not about shame but exhaustion. “Both Prime Minister Erna Solberg and my party leader Siv Jensen asked me to stay as fisheries minister,” he said. “But the backlash after my trip to Iran—together with Bahareh Letnes—was too much. Enough was enough.” While he acknowledges internal party pressures led to his eventual ouster as deputy leader, he dismisses claims he resigned in disgrace, calling them “malicious nonsense.”
Today, Sandberg presents a starkly different image: a man who has shed 16 kilos of fat, swapped his Marlboro cigarettes and Jack Daniels for a disciplined fitness routine and embraced traditional Vietnamese medicine as a cure for his previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes. “My blood values are now normal,” he boasts, crediting Lucky’s treatments—including acupuncture, cupping, and herbal therapies—for his recovery. The couple’s L&P Sandberg Center in Da Nang, which they operate with a Chinese medical equipment supplier, offers these treatments to both locals and Norwegian visitors, blending ancient practices with modern technology.
A Love Story Across Cultures
Sandberg met Lucky two years ago at a health conference in Bangkok, where he famously sat uninvited at a table of Vietnamese women after a few drinks. “After a couple of Jack Daniels, you get confidence,” he jokes. Though neither spoke English initially, their romance flourished through karaoke, Frank Sinatra’s *My Way*, and Lucky’s rapid improvement in the language. Now 40, Lucky is his fourth long-term partner, and Sandberg downplays the 26-year age gap: “Neither of us thinks about age.”
Cultural clashes have tested their relationship. Sandberg admits blending Norwegian individualism with Vietnamese concepts of family honor and pride has been challenging. “Vietnamese women have pride, not independence like in Europe,” he notes. While he’s met Lucky’s family and believes they accept him, he’s unsure if they expect marriage. “Her heart opened with *My Way*,” he says. “We’ll see.”
Politics and Perspectives
Though he’s left Norwegian politics behind—briefly flirting with the Liberalist Party—Sandberg remains sharply critical of his former colleagues. He praises Erna Solberg and Siv Jensen but dismisses Sylvi Listhaug as a viable prime minister, arguing that even a 35% vote share for the Progress Party wouldn’t secure her the job. “There will be scandals before 2029,” he predicts, referencing Norway’s infamous *Trollfabrikken* (troll factory) as a wildcard in upcoming elections.
Ironically, Sandberg—once a vocal critic of immigration’s impact on Norway’s welfare system—now lives in a one-party socialist republic where market forces dominate daily life. “Vietnam is more capitalist than Norway,” he claims, contrasting its low taxes and minimal state interference with Norway’s welfare model. Yet he remains a proud Norwegian, crediting the country’s seafood industry and football star Erling Haaland for its global reputation. “When I say I’m from Norway, people here think of Haaland and salmon,” he says.
What’s Next?
Sandberg’s future hinges on two fronts: his health business and his personal life. If the L&P Sandberg Center gains traction—particularly with Norwegian tourists seeking alternative treatments—it could become a sustainable venture. His upcoming visit from his youngest son, a soldier, may also signal a deeper integration into Vietnamese life. Politically, however, he’s ruled out a return: “Unless someone needs a fisheries minister after the next election.” For now, his focus is on love, health, and the next chapter in Da Nang.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Per Sandberg leave Norway?
He cites exhaustion from political controversies—particularly after his 2018 trip to Iran with Bahareh Letnes—as the reason for stepping down, though party pressures also played a role.
How did he cure his diabetes?
Sandberg attributes his recovery to traditional Vietnamese treatments, including acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine, though he acknowledges modern medicine’s role in monitoring his progress.
Is his relationship with Lucky likely to last?
Sandberg expresses deep happiness, crediting their shared passion and Lucky’s rapid language skills. However, cultural differences—particularly around family expectations—remain an unresolved challenge.
As Sandberg rebuilds his life abroad, one question lingers: Can a man once defined by political fire ever truly escape his past—or is this just another act in a long career of reinvention?
