Norwegian Prime Minister Støre Positioned for Government Formation Amidst Economic Concerns
The Conservative Party lags behind in the polls with only 14.4 percent support. This development suggests that Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, leader of the Labor Party, is likely to establish a government following a contest marked by key discussions surrounding the cost of living, taxation on wealth, and the future of Norway’s substantial $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund, alongside the country’s dealings with U.S. President Donald Trump, reports 24brussels.
As the campaign progresses, Støre emphasized that rising prices remain a critical concern for voters, with foreign policy challenges, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, also heavily influencing opinions.
Støre has led a minority center-left coalition government since the previous election in 2021, and his party’s recent uptick in polling is significantly linked to the restoration of the popular former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to government, who was appointed as finance minister in February.
Shortly after Stoltenberg’s return—a phenomenon referred to as the “Stoltenback” effect—the Labor Party experienced a notable surge, gaining 10 percentage points in support. This slight shift may prove pivotal in the current political landscape as voters weigh the importance of economic management and international relations.
The upcoming coalition negotiations and the potential alignment with other parties will be critical as Norway navigates this post-election period, particularly given the pressing economic concerns fueled by global events and domestic policy debates.
