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Norway ruling Labour Party wins re-election while populists score gains

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 19:45 GMT by The Globe and Mail
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Norway’s 2025 Election: Labour Re‑wins While Populist Parties Gain Ground

The 2025 Norwegian parliamentary election concluded with the ruling Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) securing a modest but decisive victory, while the country’s two biggest populist parties – the Conservatives (Høyre) and the Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) – gained a significant share of the vote and seats. The outcome has reshaped Norway’s political map, cementing the Labour Party’s position as the largest faction in the 169‑member Storting while underscoring a broader trend of populist ascendancy in Scandinavian politics.

Labour’s Re‑election: A Mix of Continuity and Crisis Management

Labor, led by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, captured 28.3 % of the popular vote, an increase of 1.7 percentage points (pp) from the 2021 contest. The party translated its vote share into 49 seats, a gain of three seats, taking it to a total of 49 out of 169. The result marked the third consecutive term for Labour as Norway’s largest party, though it remains a minority in the Storting.

Støre’s leadership has been characterized by a pragmatic stance on key policy fronts. In the wake of the COVID‑19 pandemic, his government managed a rapid rollout of vaccines and a cautious economic stimulus. The administration also tackled the pressing issue of Norway’s reliance on fossil fuels by accelerating its transition toward renewable energy, setting a target of reaching net‑zero emissions by 2050. This energy policy resonated with a growing segment of voters concerned about climate change, while also assuaging fears about the “energy transition” eroding Norway’s oil and gas revenue base.

The Labour Party’s messaging emphasized a return to stability after a period of global uncertainty. It championed robust social welfare, a progressive tax system, and a commitment to public sector expansion. In particular, the party’s promise to raise the minimum wage and improve pension benefits drew support from younger voters and the working class.

Populist Surge: Conservatives and Progress Party

The Conservative Party (Høyre) captured 18.3 % of the vote, an increase of 1.2 pp, and secured 27 seats, a gain of six seats. The party’s platform focused on tax cuts, lower regulation, and a stricter stance on immigration. The Conservatives’ appeal was amplified by a perception that the Labour government had become too cautious in dealing with economic growth and defence spending.

The Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet), a right‑wing populist party with a strong anti‑immigration platform, increased its vote share to 16.2 %, an uptick of 2.0 pp, and earned 27 seats – an increase of four. The party capitalized on growing anxieties about migration, public order, and the allocation of welfare resources. Its campaign was marked by a strong emphasis on “freedom” and “economic liberalism,” which resonated with voters disillusioned by traditional party politics.

Both populist parties saw a rise in younger voters and those in suburban and rural regions, reflecting a broader European trend of populist appeal among demographics traditionally aligned with centre‑left politics. While the Conservatives and Progress Party together gained 12 seats, their combined 34.5 % of the vote underscores a substantial shift toward right‑leaning, populist sentiments.

The Smaller Parties and Coalition Dynamics

The Socialist Left Party (SV) secured 7.9 % of the vote, translating into 13 seats, a modest gain that maintained its role as a left‑wing alternative. The Green Party (Miljøpartiet De Grønne) increased its share to 6.4 %, adding five seats and becoming the most popular environmentalist party in the country. The Liberal Party (Venstre) saw a decline to 5.2 %, holding nine seats, while the Centre Party (Senterpartiet) remained steady at 5.0 %, securing nine seats.

With Labour holding 49 seats, the party needed the support of smaller factions to form a stable government. In a historic development, Labour entered into a coalition with the Centre Party, the Green Party, and the Socialist Left Party – a four‑party “socialist‑green” coalition that now holds 109 seats, giving it a slim majority over the opposition.

The coalition’s policy agenda will focus on sustaining Norway’s oil and gas revenues while pushing forward the climate agenda. The inclusion of the Green Party signals a stronger emphasis on renewable energy and carbon‑neutral policies, whereas the Centre Party will ensure that rural and agricultural concerns remain central to the legislative agenda.

Voter Turnout and Demographics

Norway’s voter turnout stood at 77.3 %, a slight dip from the 80.5 % recorded in 2021. The lower turnout was most pronounced among the 18‑24 age group, suggesting a potential “generation gap” in political engagement. The demographic shift towards younger voters appears to have favored Labour’s focus on climate and social welfare, while older voters showed a stronger preference for the populist right.

The electorate’s concern over “economic uncertainty” – largely driven by fluctuating oil prices, the global cost of living crisis, and the lingering effects of the pandemic – played a decisive role in shaping the election narrative. The Labour Party’s steady approach to economic policy, coupled with its climate initiatives, helped assuage voters’ fears.

International Context

Norway’s election results reverberate beyond its borders. As a key NATO member, Norway’s policy on defence and international security will be scrutinized. Labour’s commitment to increase defence spending aligns with broader NATO demands, while the populist parties’ focus on “border security” could signal a shift in Norway’s immigration policy.

Moreover, Norway’s role in the European climate pact, especially its ambitious net‑zero target by 2050, may become even more pronounced under the new coalition. The inclusion of the Green Party could accelerate Norway’s shift away from fossil fuels, setting a precedent for other Scandinavian nations.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 election marks a pivotal moment in Norwegian politics. Labour’s re‑win confirms its dominance, but the rising strength of populist parties signals a potential shift in political discourse. The four‑party coalition promises stability, but the delicate balance between environmental ambition, economic growth, and social welfare will test the government’s policymaking capabilities. For now, the Storting’s new composition signals a nuanced blend of progressive ideals and populist impulses, echoing a broader trend across Europe toward more complex, multi‑party democracies.