Oslo: The Norwegian Labour Party has secured four more years in government, overcoming a surge of support for the right-wing populist Progress party in a closely fought and polarised election.
Initial projections shortly after polls closed showed the centre-left Labour-led bloc winning 89 seats, comfortably above the 85-seat threshold needed for a majority, with the centre-right opposition taking 80 seats. By the time 99 percent of votes were counted, the result held firm, according to the state broadcaster.
Labour, led by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, emerged as the largest party, while the Progress party saw its support nearly double compared with the last election, particularly among young men.
The Conservative party, in contrast, recorded its worst performance in two decades. Speaking to jubilant supporters, Støre welcomed the result, downplaying the shift to the right in the electorate. Støre stated that, “This is a signal to outside Norway that social democracy can also win despite a right-wing wave.”
The election campaign was dominated by debates over the cost of living, wealth taxes, the Norwegian oil fund’s investments in Israel, and Norway’s relations with US President Donald Trump. The surge for the Progress party, some analysts noted, reflected what has been termed ‘the Maga-fication’ of Norwegian politics, raising speculation about leader Sylvi Listhaug potentially becoming prime minister in a rightwing victory scenario.
Støre, 65, who has been in office since 2021, is set to continue as prime minister. Former NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg is expected to take a key role as finance minister, following Labour’s strong showing in recent months.
Gaute Børstad Skjervø, head of Labour’s youth wing, the AUF, described the election outcome as ‘the comeback of the ages in Norwegian politics,’ adding that, “A year ago, the party was thought to be doomed. Now Støre has secured re-election. I take my hat off to this turnaround.”
Conservative leader Erna Solberg confirmed her party’s defeat, stating that, “We can already state that the Conservative party is embarking on a new term in the Storting as an opposition party.” Solberg, 64, acknowledged calls for her resignation, remarking that, “It is my responsibility, and I am incredibly sorry for that.”
Listhaug, 47, also called Støre to congratulate him on Labour’s victory. Listhaug added that despite failing to secure a majority, her party still have reason to feel like winners. A record 1.9 million Norwegians participated in early voting, with most early ballots reportedly counted before polling stations closed. Despite Progress party gains, Norway now stands out among Nordic neighbours, with Sweden and Finland both governed by rightwing administrations.
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