Norway’s Labor Party led by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre claimed victory in the Scandinavian country’s general election on Monday in a narrow but clear win by the centre-left bloc.
With most votes counted the left-wing bloc — comprised of four parties — is set to hold a majority of 89 seats, surpassing the 85-seat threshold. The centre-right alliance, led by the Progress Party and Conservatives, currently holds 80 seats.
Støre thanked his supporters cheering in Oslo on Monday evening and said the victory showed it was possible for Social Democratic parties to win elections in Europe, despite right-wing parties on the rise.
The anti-immigration Progress Party saw its best-ever result, coming in second place. Its leader, Sylvi Listhaug, was pleased with her party’s result but lamented what she called “four tough years ahead for people and businesses.”
They were bolstered by an energetic social media campaign driven by influencers calling for the abolition of the country’s traditional wealth tax.
Conservative Party Leader Erna Solberg apologised for the performance of her party, which fell to third place in parliament.
Coalition negotiations ahead
Around 4.3 million people in the Scandinavian nation were eligible to vote for the country’s 169-member parliament.
Final results are expected on Tuesday and likely to be followed by weeks of negotiations to build a coalition agreement and agree on key Cabinet spots. Norway’s King Harald traditionally swears in a new government.
Labor campaigned on a platform to retain the wealth tax that has been a mainstay of Norwegian policy since 1892. The rich country applies a levy of up to 1.1% on assets and shares worth more than 1.76 million kroner (€150,101), though there are various reductions and discounts.
The Progress Party wanted the tax scrapped, whilst the Conservatives campaigned on a platform calling for its reduction.
“I think it is fair that the most wealthy among us pay their contribution,” Gahr Støre said after he voted on Monday. “It’s been the parties of the right who wanted to take that entirely away, benefiting 1% of the population.”
“I think that goes against the deep sense of fairness and solidarity from Norwegians,” he added.
Additional sources • AP