NextFin news, Norway’s left-wing political bloc, spearheaded by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and his Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet), is projected to win a parliamentary majority following the election held on Monday, September 8, 2025, in Oslo, Norway. Early exit polls published Monday evening show the left bloc poised to secure about 87 seats in the 169-seat Storting, potentially allowing Støre to form a majority government.
The Labour Party remains the largest single party with an estimated 50 seats, while its left-wing allies contribute to the overall majority. This marks a continuation of Støre’s leadership, who has been Prime Minister since 2021. The election campaign was notably polarized and focused on domestic issues such as taxation, welfare, and economic inequality.
On the opposing side, the right-wing coalition, including the populist Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) led by Sylvi Listhaug and the Conservative Party (Høyre) formerly headed by Erna Solberg, is projected to win between 80 and 82 seats. The Progress Party is expected to double its parliamentary representation to approximately 46 seats, becoming the largest opposition force, while the Conservative Party is forecasted to lose seats, dropping to around 25.
The election campaign saw heated debates over issues such as the wealth tax, which the left bloc supports maintaining or strengthening, while the right-wing parties advocate for its abolition, arguing it drives wealthy Norwegians abroad. The campaign also featured discussions on Norway’s oil drilling policies and its relationship with the European Union, with divisions existing even within the left bloc on these topics.
Political analysts attribute a late surge in support for the Labour Party to the return of former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to Norwegian national politics earlier this year, who was appointed Minister of Finance by Støre. This so-called 'Stoltenberg effect' is believed to have reassured voters amid international uncertainties, including tensions with Russia, which borders Norway to the northeast.
Norway, a NATO member but not part of the European Union, faces geopolitical concerns that influenced voter preferences, with many seeing the Labour Party as a stable choice in the face of global unrest. The election results reflect a complex political landscape where the left bloc’s narrow majority will require cooperation among diverse parties to govern effectively.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed optimism on election night, stating, "I have a good feeling. We've had a good election campaign," as he addressed supporters in Oslo. The final official results are awaited to confirm the exit poll projections.
Sources: NRC.nl (published Monday evening, September 8, 2025), Bloomberg.com (September 8, 2025), Reuters (September 8, 2025), Yahoo News Singapore (September 8, 2025).
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