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Labour Party wins elections in Norway returning to power after many years

14 September 2021

The Labour Party has won the parliamentary elections in Norway and is expected to form the new government.

Conservative Prime Minister Erna Solberg conceded defeat. "The Conservative government's work is finished for this time around," Solberg said in response to the results. She has served two terms as prime minister, starting in 2013.

The left-wing Labour Party, along with two other centre-left parties, could manage to reach a majority of 89 seats out of 169 in total. 

Labour is projected to win around 46 seats, just over half of what's required for a majority. 

The Labour Party leader, Jonas Gahr Stoere, who is projected to become the next prime minister, said he will seek partners for a coalition government. The 61-year-old millionaire, who comes from a wealthy family, has campaigned against social inequality.

"Now we can finally say: we did it," Stoere said after the results pointed towards a left-wing win. "Norway has sent a clear signal: the election shows that the Norwegian people want a fairer society."

Stoere said he will attempt to build a coalition with the Centre Party and the Socialist Left Party as a "Plan A". He also said he is willing to meet with any other parties seeking a change in government.

Stoere previously served as foreign minister from 2005-2013 under then-Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, who is now NATO Secretary-General. 

 
source: commonspace.eu with Deutche Welle (Cologne) and agencies
photo: The Leader of the Norwegian Labour Party, Jonas Gahr Stoere

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