🎉 Grab your popcorn, y'all—Norway's political drama just got another season! With 99% of votes in, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere's minority Labor coalition locked in 87 seats, just over the 85 needed for a majority.
But to pass big bills like budgets or new tax rules, Stoere needs to keep five parties happy. Get ready for debates on tax hikes for the wealthy, future oil exploration, and pulling cash from Israeli firms in Norway's $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund! 💰💥
On the flip side, Sylvi Listhaug's populist, anti-immigration Progress Party had its best-ever haul: 48 seats—more than double from four years ago. Listhaug (a self-proclaimed Reagan-Thatcher fan) promised bold tax cuts and slashing 'wasteful' spending on international aid and green energy. 🌿✂️
Stoere played down the rightward swing: 'This is proof that social democracy can win even amid a right-wing wave,' he cheered to a crowd chanting 'four more years!' With a record 4.05 million eligible voters, issues like inequality, taxes, energy, housing, and public services are front and center. 🔥🏠⚡
Norway's elections come every four years. After a rocky mid-term when the Centre Party quit over EU energy policy, Labor went solo in this campaign—and still came out on top, albeit with a slimmer margin. Now the real work begins: will this diverse coalition deliver? Stay tuned! 👀✨
Reference(s):
Norway ruling Labor Party wins reelection while populists score gains
cgtn.com
