Norway Faces Crucial Election as Voters Decide Between Labour and Conservative Leadership

Sat Sep 13 2025 14:37:06 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

With a tight race underway, Norwegians prepare to vote on whether to maintain the current Labour-led government or transition to a conservative coalition. Key issues, including the cost of living and foreign policy, dominate the campaign.

Norwegians are heading to the polls in a significant election that will determine whether the Labour Party retains power or if a conservative coalition will take the reins. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre faces challenges from the opposition's Sylvi Listhaug and Erna Solberg amidst growing concerns about the economy and foreign policy issues, particularly the ongoing war in Gaza and its implications for Norway's investments. As the voting date arrives, debates have revolved around tax policies and public spending, highlighting the complexities of coalition governance in Norway.

Norwegians go to the polls on Sunday and Monday in a tight race to decide whether to continue with a Labour-led government or turn to the centre right.

There are only four million voters in this founding member of NATO, which shares an Arctic border with Russia and is part of the EU's single market but is not a member state.

Despite its small population, Norway has long punched above its weight on the international stage, and the wars in Gaza and Ukraine—along with US trade tariffs—have played significant roles in the election campaign.

Nevertheless, as the race reaches its final stretch, the focus has switched to the increasing cost of living and inequality.

Public spending, school and infrastructure, railway infrastructure and road construction, those kinds of things, says Andreas, a father who identifies key issues of concern.

The national focus on domestic policies became evident during Norway's summer political festival in Arendal, where political leaders debated significant topics. Among them is Labour Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who aims for a second term after eight years of conservative rule ended in 2021.

He faces a challenge from a bloc comprised of two conservative parties: the right-wing populist Progress Party, led by Sylvi Listhaug, and the Høyre party, seeking to return to power under former Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

One of the hot-button issues has been the future of a 1% wealth tax, paid by those whose assets exceed 1.76 million Norwegian kroner (£130,000; $175,000). Addressing the issue of departing wealthy Norwegians, both conservative leaders advocate for eliminating this tax as part of their campaign.

The election has been marked by a complex interplay of domestic and foreign policy debates, along with the impact of Norway's sovereign wealth fund management amid ethical considerations linked to international conflicts.

With coalition politics in play, no party can govern alone, making the upcoming results critical for shaping Norway's future leadership.