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yesterday

Labour Edges Ahead in Norway Vote as Early Projections Signal Narrow Path to Second Term

Early projections indicate a narrow edge for Jonas Gahr Støre’s bloc, setting up coalition talks that will test parties’ positions on the wealth tax, the $2 trillion oil fund, energy policy, public spending.

Jonas Gahr Store speaks during the Labor Party's election vigil at the People's House during the 2025 General Election, in Oslo, Norway, September 8, 2025. Javad Parsa/NTB/via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NORWAY OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN NORWAY.
A voter casts a ballot in a polling station in the City Hall in Oslo, during early voting in Norway's parliamentary election, Norway, September 7, 2025. REUTERS/ Tom Little
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Campaign volunteers from the Labour Party, wearing red, engage with people near the Norwegian Parliament building in Oslo, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Kostya Manenkov)

Overview

  • Initial projections put Labour near 28% of the vote, with the Progress Party close to 25% and the Conservatives around 14.4%, pointing to a tight outcome.
  • No party is on course for a majority, so government formation will hinge on post‑election negotiations with smaller parties expected to play decisive roles.
  • The wealth tax dominated the campaign, with Labour defending the levy, the Conservatives backing cuts, and the Progress Party pushing for abolition.
  • Norway’s sovereign wealth fund became a flashpoint over investments tied to Israel, and Jens Stoltenberg’s return as finance minister earlier this year boosted Labour’s standing.
  • Voters prioritized living costs, taxation and public services, while the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and U.S. trade policy under President Trump heightened demand for stability.