Norway’s Centre-Left Surge: Left-Green Bloc Clinches Majority

In Norway’s 2025 parliamentary elections, the centre-left “red-green” bloc secured a narrow majority with 87 of 169 seats, allowing Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre’s Labour Party to stay in power. Labour grew to 53 seats, while the Green and Socialist Left parties gained influence on climate and welfare policy. Despite a surge by the populist Progress Party, the conservative right faltered, making this result a key moment for Norway’s social democracy and energy future.

On 8 September 2025, Norwegians went to the polls in a closely watched parliamentary election. Voters decided all 169 seats in the Storting, the country’s national legislature, amid debates over wealth equality, energy policy, rising living costs, and the direction of foreign affairs. What emerged: a narrow but clear win for the centre-left, or “red-green,” bloc led by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and the Labour Party. 

Election Results & Key Numbers

• The red-green coalition secured 87 seats, just over the 85-seat threshold needed for a majority in the 169-member parliament.
• Labour, under Støre, increased its seat count from 48 in 2021 to 53 seats in 2025, with about 28.0% of the vote.
• The Progress Party (right-wing populist) made big gains: 47 seats (up ≈26 from its previous result), with about 23.9% of votes, becoming the largest opposition party.
• The Conservative Party suffered major losses, dropping to 24 seats and about 14.7% of the vote, their worst performance in decades. 
• Smaller left bloc parties - Socialist Left Party (SV), Green Party (MDG), Red Party (Rødt), and Centre Party (Sp), all played essential roles in helping the red-green bloc cross the threshold. 
• Voter turnout was notably high, around 80.1%, one of the highest in recent Norwegian history.

What Changed & Why It Mattered

Several forces came into play that tipped the scales in favour of the left-green bloc:

1. Economic & Cost-of­-Living Pressures
   Inflation, rising costs for daily essentials, housing, and energy were major concerns. The electorate seemed more receptive to promises of social welfare, wealth taxes, and protection against cost shocks.
2. Populist Surge on the Right
   Although the Progress Party made large gains, especially among younger voters, and men, they weren’t enough to overcome the centre-left coalition. Their rise reflects a broader trend in Europe, but in Norway, the red-green bloc’s policy blend held appeal for many voters seeking stability and social protection.
3. Climate and Energy Policy
   With global concerns about climate change rising, the Green Party, with its platform targeting a phased shutdown of oil and gas exploration and commitments toward sustainability, drew enough support to become a key player in the governing majority. 
4. Political Personalities & Leadership
   Prime Minister Støre’s Labour Party, after periods of weaker polling, regained momentum. Part of that has been attributed to the return of Jens Stoltenberg (former NATO Secretary-General) as a figure of stability, especially on finance and foreign policy, which seemed to reassure voters wary of international instability. 
5. Polarization & Identity Issues
   Issues like immigration, European Union relations, and wealth distribution were politicised heavily. Right-wing parties leaned on anti-immigration and nationalist themes; the left pushed back with inclusive welfare, equality, and sustainability narratives. 

Implications for Policy & Governance

With a functioning majority, though slim, the red-green bloc has both opportunities and challenges in the coming term.

• Wealth Tax: Labour has pledged to defend Norway’s long-standing wealth tax system. The right-wing opposition had campaigned hard on reducing or abolishing it. Expect lively debates and pressure.
• Energy Transition: The Greens’ leverage means ambitious climate policies will likely figure more prominently, gradual phase-out of oil exploration, more investment in renewable energy, emissions reductions. But balancing that with Norway’s role as a major energy supplier (especially to Europe) will require delicate negotiation.
• Coalition Dynamics: Even though Labour leads, it depends on smaller left-leaning partners for a stable majority. Parties like SV, MDG, Rødt, and Sp will press their agendas (inequality, climate, rural issues). That means policy compromises and possible friction.
• Foreign Policy & Security: With global crises lingering, Ukraine war, tensions in Europe, instability broadly—the government’s position on NATO, EU relationships, and international cooperation will be under pressure. Støre has signalled continuity, prioritizing steady leadership.

What’s New / What Stands Out

• This result reaffirms that social democracy still has resilience in Europe, even as populist and far-right movements gain strength elsewhere. Norway appears to buck that tide, at least this election cycle. 
• Despite the Progress Party’s surge, the Conservatives fell to their poorest electoral performance in 20 years, a sign of shifting centre-right politics and perhaps disillusionment among traditional centrist voters.
• The Green Party’s role is especially notable: about 4.7% of votes, yet able to punch above its weight because of the coalition arithmetic. Their demands on climate policy will be hard to ignore.

Risks & What Could Go Wrong

• Fragile Majority: With only a two-seat buffer over the threshold, any internal dissent, party splits, or defections could threaten stability.
• Policy Clash: Left-bloc parties differ internally on priorities. For example, how fast to move on oil/gas phase-out (Greens want faster; others more cautious), how to handle taxation, welfare expansion vs. budget constraints.
• Economic Pressures: Inflation, global economic volatility, cost of living remain real risks. Citizens will expect tangible improvements; failure to deliver may erode support.
• External Crises: Sweden, Finland, EU, and geopolitical conflicts influence Norway; energy prices and supply, security alliances, migration could test domestic policy resolve.

What This Means Regionally & Globally

• For the Nordic region, Norway’s result adds to a mixed picture: different nations heading in different ideological directions, but collective concerns about climate, inequality, populism are common.
• For Europe’s social democratic parties, Norway may be viewed as a case study: how to retain voter trust by emphasizing economic fairness, climate action, and stable governance even in uncertain times.
• On energy and climate front: Norway’s policy choices matter due to its role as a major natural gas and oil exporter. Moves to curtail exploration will have both environmental implications and impact on exports that affect European energy security.

Looking Ahead (2025-2029 Term)

• Key upcoming legislative battles will involve budget negotiations, climate legislation, and tax policy, especially on wealth.
• Expect the Greens and Socialist Left to push for stronger environmental laws and welfare policies; Centre Party to push for rural interests and sovereignty issues; Red likely to push more radical equality measures.
• Labour will likely emphasize incrementalism: steady reforms rather than radical overhaul, to avoid disrupting Norway’s economic stability.
• Also, expect political realignment: With Progress now cemented as powerful opposition, centre-right parties will have to recalibrate strategy going forward, possibly shifting policies, leadership, or alliances.

Conclusion

Norway’s 2025 parliamentary election marks a significant moment: while the right-wing has clearly risen in influence, it is the centre-left “red-green” bloc that retains governing power. The Labour Party, under Jonas Gahr Støre, managed not only to win but also to reassemble a coalition capable of delivering a fragile majority in a polarized political landscape. The big questions now are whether this coalition will deliver on ambitious climate promises, ease economic pressures on ordinary Norwegians, and handle the growing influence of populist forces. If it succeeds, Norway may become a model for how social democracy can adapt and survive in an era of shifting political winds.

For questions or comments write to contactus@bostonbrandmedia.com