Norway’s political landscape shifted notably in its latest parliamentary election, with results confirming both continuity and transformation.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere’s minority Labour Party-led government secured a second term after surpassing the 85-seat threshold needed for a majority, winning 87 seats with the help of four smaller left-leaning allies.
At the same time, the populist right achieved its strongest performance in history, with Sylvi Listhaug’s Progress Party doubling its presence in parliament to 48 seats.
The vote reflected national concerns over living costs, fiscal policy, and Norway’s future role in global conflicts, particularly those in Ukraine and Gaza.
Labour secures second term with 87 seats
With 99% of ballots counted, Labour and its coalition partners cleared the majority line, ensuring Stoere, 65, remains in office.
Despite the win, his administration faces challenges in governing, as it relies on the support of five parties to pass fiscal budgets and key legislation.
Contentious issues, such as increased taxes for high earners, the future of oil exploration, and divestments by Norway’s $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund, are expected to test the stability of the alliance.
Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the largest in the world, has already withdrawn investments from more than two dozen Israeli companies since 30 June.
The move followed scrutiny over its stake in a jet engine manufacturer servicing Israeli fighter jets.
Progress Party rises to 48 seats
The most striking shift came from the populist right. Listhaug’s Progress Party more than doubled its seats, securing 48 in the 169-seat parliament.
The party campaigned heavily on large-scale tax cuts, reduced spending on foreign aid, and opposition to subsidies for green energy projects.
Analysts note that a significant share of youth voters, particularly young men, supported the party.
Listhaug, 47, who has cited Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher as political inspirations, framed her campaign around government spending priorities, resonating with those seeking reduced taxation.
This marks the party’s best-ever electoral outcome.
Security and global conflicts influence voters
Norway’s proximity to Russia, with which it shares a border in the Arctic, has heightened security concerns since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The appointment of former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, 66, to Stoere’s cabinet reassured many voters of Norway’s preparedness in the event of renewed conflict.
A survey by the Peace Research Institute Oslo found that 59% of Norwegians believe a new war in Europe is likely within the next decade, up from 55% in 2024.
The Ukraine conflict reinforced the left’s standing in government, while the Gaza war intensified pressure on Labour’s allies to call for stronger divestment policies.
Oil and gas remain central to the debate
Another key issue dominating the election was Norway’s energy future.
Following Russia’s exit as a major gas supplier to Europe, Norway has become the continent’s largest provider.
The European Union aims to phase out Russian gas by 2027, increasing Norway’s role further.
However, smaller parties aligned with Labour want to scale down new oil exploration projects.
Any move to limit the opening of new fields could restrict future gas production, creating tension within the coalition.
The balance between climate commitments and Norway’s role as a reliable energy supplier to Europe is likely to define Stoere’s second term.
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