Norwegians Vote in Tightly Contested Parliamentary Election

Norwegians have been voting in a closely contested two-day parliamentary election, with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store's Labor-led left-wing bloc narrowly favored to secure a slim majority against a right-wing alliance led by the Conservatives and the populist Progress Party. Key campaign issues include cost of living, taxation, public services, and Norway's management of its $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund, alongside concerns about energy exports to Europe and geopolitical tensions, especially due to Norway's border with Russia and global instability. While Labor and its allied smaller parties are projected to win around 88 seats, just above the 85-seat majority threshold, the right-wing bloc is expected to claim about 81 seats, leading to likely complex coalition negotiations. Store, who has governed with support from several smaller leftist parties, may need to expand his coalition to include the Communist and Green parties, whose demands could affect oil and gas policies as well as wealth taxation. The election outcome is seen as pivotal not only for domestic policy but also for Norway's role in European energy markets and geopolitical stability, with international uncertainties bolstering voter preference for the current government. Results remain too close to call, with the final tally expected after voting concludes.