Norway's Left-Wing Coalition Secures Victory in Tight Election Race
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre's left-leaning coalition has narrowly won the parliamentary elections, according to exit polls released on Monday evening. The Labour Party-led bloc appears to have secured enough seats to form a government, allowing Støre to remain in power.
Election Results and Political Landscape
Exit polls from Norway's public broadcaster NRK indicate that the Labour Party, together with four smaller allied parties, has obtained 89 seats in the 169-seat Storting. This gives them a slim majority, as 85 seats are required to govern. The right-wing bloc, led by the conservative Høyre party and the populist Progress Party, secured 80 seats according to the same polls.
"This is a victory for stability and progressive policies in challenging times," said a Labour Party spokesperson celebrating the results.
Economic Issues Dominate Campaign
The election campaign was largely focused on economic matters, with inflation and wealth tax being particularly contentious issues. Approximately 4.3 million Norwegians were eligible to vote in this closely watched election.
Right-wing parties advocated for reducing or eliminating the wealth tax, arguing that too many Norwegians are burdened by it without having sufficient means. The Labour Party, however, defended maintaining the tax, claiming its abolition would cost the government approximately 3.3 billion euros annually.
Stoltenberg's Return Boosts Labour
The Labour Party's resurgence in recent months has been partly attributed to the return of former Prime Minister and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Although not running for office, Stoltenberg has indicated openness to taking a ministerial position in the new government.
"The 'Stoltenberg effect' has undoubtedly helped consolidate support for the Labour Party during this critical election," noted political analyst Erik Lund.
Energy Policy and International Context
Unlike previous elections, climate change and phasing out oil and gas extraction received less attention. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Norway has become the European Union's largest gas supplier, facing pressure from European neighbors to maintain supply.
Right-wing parties argued for continued drilling, while left-leaning parties emphasized transitioning to renewable energy. The election also touched on Norway's massive sovereign wealth fund, valued at over 1.7 trillion euros, and debates about its investment strategies, including whether to divest from Israeli companies.
The Labour Party has governed as a minority government since January 2025, when the Centre Party left the coalition over energy policy disagreements related to the European Union.