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Norway ruling Labour Party wins reelection while populists score gains

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 19:01 GMT by reuters.com
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Norway’s Labour Party Re‑Elected as Populist Parties Gain Ground

In a surprising yet decisive result that will reshape Norway’s political landscape, the ruling Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) emerged victorious in the September 8 general election, securing a second term in government. Despite gaining a modest share of the popular vote, Labour’s coalition partners and the opposition were forced to reckon with a surge in support for populist forces, most notably the Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet), which registered its strongest performance in decades.

A Victory for Labour, but a Narrow Margin

Labour captured 36.4 % of the vote, an increase of 1.2 percentage points over the 2021 election, translating into 53 seats in the 169‑member Storting. This up‑turn places Labour solidly ahead of the centre‑right Conservative Party (Høyre), which fell to 29.8 % and 33 seats. The vote shift, while not decisive, was enough to give Labour the largest bloc and the confidence to keep Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at the helm.

Støre, who has been in office since 2021, welcomed the outcome in a televised statement, declaring that “the people have reaffirmed the social democratic model that balances prosperity with solidarity.” He pledged to pursue a “green, inclusive, and resilient” agenda, citing climate targets, pension reforms, and a commitment to universal healthcare.

Populists Surge: The Progress Party’s Resurgence

The most dramatic element of the election was the remarkable performance of the Progress Party, a right‑wing populist party long known for its anti‑immigration stance and advocacy for lower taxes. The party gained five seats, bringing its total to 20, up from 15 in 2021. This 6.4 percentage point increase to 21.5 % of the vote marks the highest share the party has received since the early 1990s.

The Progress Party’s success was driven by a strong appeal to working‑class voters in the western fjords and the industrial north, who cited concerns over rising immigration levels and rising housing costs. “We are here to put the interests of ordinary Norwegians first,” said Party Leader Bjørn Arild Gram, who called the results “a mandate to push back against the status quo.”

While the Progress Party’s platform is often labeled “populist,” it also contains pragmatic proposals such as increasing the maximum wage limit and investing in rural broadband. Their victory has forced a realignment in the opposition’s strategy, as the Conservatives and the more centrist Liberal Party (Venstre) will now need to address a more fragmented electorate.

The Socialist Left Party and Other Left‑Wing Gains

The Socialist Left Party (SV), another left‑wing party with a populist streak, also experienced a modest upswing. SV’s seat count rose from nine to ten, reflecting a 2.1 percentage point increase in their vote share. Their platform, which includes free‑education mandates and stronger worker protections, resonated particularly in urban centers where concerns over inequality grew.

In contrast, the Centre Party (Sp) and the Christian Democrats (KrF) saw slight declines, each losing one seat. The Liberal Party, traditionally a key partner for both Labour and the Conservatives, maintained its six seats but failed to make gains.

Coalition Prospects and Governance Outlook

With Labour holding the plurality, the most likely outcome is a continuation of the current coalition arrangement that includes Labour, the Socialist Left Party, the Centre Party, and the Liberal Party. Støre’s comments indicate that the coalition will remain intact, though he acknowledges that “the Progress Party’s growing influence will force us to address new public concerns.”

However, the Progressive Party’s robust vote share raises the possibility that a new right‑leaning coalition could emerge in the future. Analysts note that the Progress Party’s willingness to cooperate with the Conservatives could form a viable majority if they succeed in courting smaller parties such as the Christian Democrats and the Reform Party (FrP). While this is still speculative, the current political calculus suggests that the Progress Party will be a significant bargaining chip.

Societal Context and Voter Turnout

Norway’s voter turnout in the 2025 election reached 81.6 %, the highest in over a decade. The high participation reflects growing public interest in key policy debates, particularly around climate change, immigration, and economic resilience post‑pandemic. The election results are expected to trigger fresh debate on Norway’s role within the European Union, especially as the country grapples with its relationship to the EU's Single Market and its position on climate policy.

The outcome also comes amid a broader European trend of populist parties gaining ground, echoing similar shifts seen in Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. Norway’s experience thus offers a microcosm of the continent’s political realignment.

International Reactions

International observers praised the election as a testament to Norway’s robust democratic process. “The peaceful transition of power and the high level of civic engagement affirm Norway’s standing as a beacon of democracy,” said a spokesperson from the European Commission. Meanwhile, neighboring Sweden noted that “Norway’s results may influence policy discussions on cross‑border infrastructure and shared environmental initiatives.”

Looking Ahead

The new Storting convenes on October 1, and the Labour government will face its first major test in shaping a new fiscal year budget, tackling rising inflation, and addressing the widening gap between urban and rural regions. With populists on the rise, the coalition will need to balance progressive reforms with pragmatic governance.

In a society that has long prized consensus and welfare, the 2025 election underscores the dynamic nature of Norwegian politics, reaffirming the Labour Party’s dominance while illuminating the growing influence of populist parties. The next year will reveal whether the ruling coalition can keep pace with the changing electorate, or whether the surge of populist sentiment will usher in a new era of political competition in Norway.