Norwegians are voting on Sunday and Monday (Sept 7–8) in closely contested parliamentary elections that will determine whether the country continues under a Labour-led government or shifts toward a right-leaning coalition.
Norway, a NATO member sharing an Arctic border with Russia and part of the EU single market (but not an EU member), has only four million eligible voters, yet plays an outsized role on the international stage.
While foreign policy issues such as the wars in Gaza and Ukraine and U.S. trade tariffs influenced the campaign, the rising cost of living and inequality have emerged as decisive themes in the final stretch.
At least nine political parties are expected to win seats, but only three main leaders are competing for the premiership. Recent polls suggest that Labour and four smaller allies could secure 88 seats in parliament—just three above the majority threshold.
Political analyst Jonas Stein from Tromsø University told Reuters:
“The most likely scenario is that [Prime Minister Jonas Gahr] Støre will be re-elected, but it will be a ‘tutti frutti’ coalition pulling in very different directions.”
Right-Wing Divide
On the right, former PM Erna Solberg’s Conservatives (Hoyre) are campaigning for public sector reform and the abolition of Norway’s wealth tax, which they argue unfairly penalizes business owners.
However, the spotlight has shifted to Sylvi Listhaug of the anti-immigration Progress Party, who polls around 21%, far ahead of the Conservatives’ 14%.
The rivalry between Solberg and Listhaug, who openly disagree on who should lead the government if the right wins, has made some voters cautious about supporting either bloc.
Global Concerns
The return of Donald Trump to the White House and the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine are adding layers of uncertainty. Norway, with 5.6 million people and an export-oriented economy, remains particularly sensitive given its shared Arctic border with Russia.
