Norway's Prime Minister Støre rejoices in triumph following election success
In the recent Norwegian parliamentary election, preliminary results show a significant shift in political landscape. The Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, has emerged as the strongest force with 28.2% of the votes. This marks a clear victory for Støre, who has been leading a minority government since 2021.
With approximately four million Norwegians participating in the election, a voter turnout of 78.8% was recorded. The Progress Party more than doubled its vote share, coming in second with 23.9% of the votes. The Conservatives (Høyre) of former Prime Minister Erna Solberg followed closely behind with 14.6% of the votes.
The composition of the Norwegian parliament is relevant due to the potential for a minority government and the need for support from the red-of-center bloc for Støre's policies. According to preliminary results, the five parties of the left-of-center bloc together have 87 seats, giving them a narrow majority of 82 seats in the Storting.
The parties that might be necessary for a new coalition government led by Jonas Gahr Støre, which could oppose new oil and gas exploitation, might include the Socialist Left Party, Red Party, and potentially the Green Party. However, the exact composition would depend on the specific political alignment and agreements during the coalition formation process.
Norway's significant role as an energy supplier in Europe is due to the Ukraine war and sanctions against Russia. Due to this, the extraction of oil and gas is the primary source of income for Norway, but it is also the country's largest climate offender. Unlike Støre's party, three other parties from the red-green spectrum, which his government in parliament may depend on for support, do not want to allow any new oil and gas drilling.
All parties of the red-green camp expressed their support for a government led by Støre during the election campaign. Given the cushion of support from the red-green bloc, Støre can continue to hope for support for his policies in the future.
The final election results are expected in the coming days, and the formation of a new government will be a crucial step in determining Norway's energy policy moving forward. The extraction of oil and gas will undoubtedly remain a contentious issue, with environmental concerns and economic realities colliding in the heart of Norwegian politics.
