Norwegian Prime Minister Solberg resigns after election defeat

For a majority government, Støre still needs support from other parties to get the necessary 85 seats. In his victory speech, the Social Democrat said he would look for other center-left parties to form a coalition. This is possible, for example, with the agrarian Center Party (28 seats) and with the Socialist Party (13 seats).

About 3.9 million Norwegians were able to vote for a new parliament on Sunday and Monday, more than 1.6 million did so by post. Growing income inequalities and climate change were the main themes in the election campaign.

More tax for richer Norwegians

Støre promised to cut taxes for low- and middle-income earners and raise rates for wealthier Norwegians. Also, a government under his leadership would reduce carbon emissions as required by the Paris climate agreement, but he has so far not supported proposals to limit oil and gas drilling due to the massive job losses. The Green Party, an obvious coalition partner for the Social Democrats with three seats, wants to completely stop Norwegian oil production by 2035.

Solberg, 60, has been in power with her Conservative Party since 2013 with some coalition partners. Støre, 61, previously served as foreign minister under Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, who now heads NATO. Neighboring countries Sweden, Finland and Denmark have already opted for a slightly more left-wing course.

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