A left block to parties will probably achieve a majority in the Norwegian parliamentary elections. Published on Monday evening exit polls It appears that the cooperation, led by the Workers Party (AP), is on course to achieve around 87 seats. With that, current Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (AP) could again form a coalition, this time even with a majority in parliament.
The left-wing block took on a right-wing cooperation of, among others, the right-wing populist progress party (FRP) of Sylvi Listhaug and the conservative party (Høyre) by former Prime Minister Erna Solberg. According to ExitPolls, FRP comes to around 46 seats (an increase of 25 seats) and Høyre to around 25, a decrease of 11 seats. Although the workers’ party with around 50 seats remains the largest, it is mainly the populists who grow strongly.
‘Stoltenberg effect’
The workers’ party seemed to be heading for a big loss for a long time in the polls, but received a major boost in February. According to analysts, this was particularly due to the (unexpected) return of the then Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg to national politics. After Mark Rutte had taken over the baton from him at NATO, he became Minister of Finance at the request of Prime Minister Støre.
The Norwegian political scientist Peter Egge alongæther described the ‘Stoltenberg’ effect against The Guardian As follows: “In the light of the increasing international unrest after the election of Donald Trump, the taxes and various international conflicts, the return of Stoltenberg was welcomed by many.”
Norway, which is not a member of the European Union, borders Russia. Many voters are concerned about possible aggression of that country. Although the FRP and the conservative party are also critical about Russia seem to be voters Regarding the threat of Russia, especially in the Arbeiderspartij to see a safe choice.
At the same time, strong growth in the right-wing populist progress party was expected in advance. Especially (young) men seem receptive to FRP’s anti-migration and antibela position.
Fierce campaign
The campaign was remarkably heated and polarized to Norwegian standards. Party leaders accused each other about spreading lies and disinformation. Especially about economic and geopolitical themes, it was strongly debated.
That was reflected, for example, in the discussion about the Norwegian wealth tax for rich. While the government tightened it in 2022, the progress party and the conservative party want to get rid of this, because the rich Norwegians would drive away to other countries. To make this point, party leaders joined YouTube channels such as the young men aimed Gutta.
Coalition
The Norwegian International Pension Fund, better known as the Oil Fund, was also a tricky point during the campaign. This fund, under the authority of the Norwegian Central Bank, has after growing criticism Sold a large part of his interests in Israeli companies on Israel due to risks of complicity in human rights violations in the Gaza Strip and on the West Bank. Right -wing parties want to perform trade with Israel.
Parties to the left of the workers’ party – in the light of Israel’s genocidal violence – want to be divested even more interests. If there is indeed a left -wing coalition, this may be a risk for the stability of the government.