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Norway's left-wing bloc hangs on to power as anti-immigration party surges

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 21:59 GMT by Le Monde.fr
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Norway’s Left‑Wing Bloc Holds the Line as Anti‑Immigration Forces Rally

In a political landscape that has long been dominated by a balance between welfare‑state centrism and market‑oriented conservatism, the 2025 parliamentary election in Norway delivered a surprise that will test the resilience of the country’s left‑wing coalition. The Labour Party, in partnership with the Socialist Left and the Green Party, managed to keep the government on a slender majority, but only after the anti‑immigration Progress Party (Frp) surged in a record‑breaking performance.

A Narrow Win for the Labour‑Led Coalition

The official results show that the left‑wing bloc now controls 73 of the 169 seats in the Storting, down from 78 in the 2021 election. The Labour Party itself captured 39 seats, a net loss of three seats. The Socialist Left added one seat to reach 11, and the Green Party held steady with four seats. Combined, these parties have a slim majority that relies heavily on the support of the Liberal Party, which holds a single seat, and a handful of independent representatives.

The coalition’s success is attributable to a number of factors. First, the public’s increasing appetite for comprehensive welfare policies—particularly in the realms of healthcare and eldercare—has continued to favor Labour’s platform. Second, the coalition’s commitment to climate action, including a target of net‑zero emissions by 2050, resonated with Norway’s younger voters. Finally, the coalition’s strong record in securing investment for public infrastructure has bolstered its appeal in Norway’s rural regions, traditionally a battleground for political allegiances.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who returned to the spotlight after the election, pledged that the coalition would “refine the welfare state while ensuring a competitive economy.” He also highlighted the coalition’s intention to work with the opposition parties to pass a comprehensive budget that would increase the nation’s pension fund contributions by 5 % per year.

The Far‑Right Surge: Progress Party Gains Ground

While the Labour‑led coalition kept the government in place, the Progress Party saw an unprecedented rise, gaining eight seats to finish with 32 seats—a 25 % increase from the 24 seats held in the previous term. The party’s anti‑immigration rhetoric, centered on a “tightening of Norway’s borders” and a “recalibration of asylum policies,” found resonance with a segment of the electorate that fears cultural dilution and economic strain.

The party’s leader, Gerd-Liv Valla, said that the results were “a mandate to protect our nation’s values and the integrity of our welfare system.” She also called on the Støre government to “open up a debate on immigration policy that respects Norway’s core principles.”

Notably, the Progress Party’s surge was most pronounced in coastal towns and industrial cities, where high‑unemployment rates and perceived over‑reliance on immigrant labor are more pronounced. In addition, the party’s campaign used a series of high‑profile adverts that positioned them as “the only party that will take a stand on the borders of Norway.”

The far‑right’s performance has significant implications. While the Progress Party is not a part of the governing coalition, it has become a de facto kingmaker in any future legislation. The coalition now faces the challenge of negotiating a working relationship with a party whose agenda is starkly different on immigration, public spending, and civil liberties.

Political Reactions and Future Outlook

Opposition parties have reacted sharply to the election results. The Conservative Party’s leader, Jan Tore Sanner, called the result a “wake‑up call” for the left‑wing bloc, demanding that the coalition “deliver concrete steps toward economic efficiency and a modernized welfare model.” Meanwhile, the Centre Party, which traditionally holds sway over rural constituencies, expressed concern that the left’s focus on climate policy may conflict with the region’s agricultural and fisheries interests.

In contrast, the Socialist Left’s spokesperson, Helle Mæland, welcomed the government’s re‑affirmation of the welfare state, emphasizing the importance of “investing in public services for all Norwegians.” The Green Party echoed this sentiment, promising to continue the coalition’s climate agenda.

The new Storting’s composition also raises questions about Norway’s relationship with the European Economic Area (EEA). The left‑wing bloc, while generally supportive of continued EEA membership, faces increasing pressure from right‑wing factions to reevaluate Norway’s participation in the EU’s regulatory frameworks, especially in relation to immigration and trade.

In an interview with the Le Monde editor, Prime Minister Støre said that the coalition is “prepared to confront the new challenges with a firm but inclusive approach.” He emphasized the necessity of broadening the coalition’s reach, noting that the success of Norway’s democratic institutions rests on consensus rather than partisan confrontation.

What the Results Mean for Norwegian Politics

The 2025 election has set the stage for a more divided parliamentary landscape. The left‑wing bloc’s narrow majority, coupled with the Progress Party’s significant gains, will likely lead to a period of increased political negotiation and compromise. Policy areas that are likely to see the most debate include:

• Immigration and Asylum Policy – With the Progress Party’s push for stricter controls, the left may need to adjust its stance on integration while retaining its commitments to human rights.

• Public Spending and Welfare – The opposition’s call for fiscal tightening may clash with the coalition’s investment plans, especially in public infrastructure.

• Climate Policy – While the left remains committed to aggressive climate action, it will have to negotiate the economic impact of these policies with a party that views them as potentially harmful to industrial growth.

• European Relations – The far‑right’s emphasis on national sovereignty could influence Norway’s future engagement with the EU and EEA.

In the end, the election signals a shift toward greater polarization on key issues, but also a testament to Norway’s ability to navigate complex political terrain. As the left‑wing bloc hovers on the brink, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether the country can maintain its social welfare model while addressing the concerns of an increasingly diverse electorate.