Center-Left Poised for Victory in Norwegian Local Elections, Challenging Right-Wing Surge
Oslo, Norway – September 8, 2025 – Preliminary results from Norway’s local elections indicate a significant shift in political momentum, with the center-left opposition gaining ground and perhaps wresting control from the incumbent right-wing coalition.The outcome represents a setback for the Progress party, led by Sylvi listhaug, often described in Norwegian media as the country’s equivalent to Italy’s Giorgia Meloni due to her hardline stance on immigration and national conservatism.
These municipal and county elections, held on September 8, 2025, are widely viewed as a crucial barometer of national sentiment ahead of the next parliamentary elections scheduled for 2029. A victory for the center-left would signal growing dissatisfaction with the current government’s policies, particularly concerning cost of living, healthcare, and environmental issues. The shift could also reshape the political landscape, potentially paving the way for a broader realignment of power in the coming years.
The Progress Party, under Listhaug‘s leadership, had experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, capitalizing on concerns about immigration and cultural identity. Tho, recent polling data and now the initial election results suggest that this momentum has stalled. The center-left Labour Party, led by Jonas Gahr Støre, and its coalition partners – the Centre Party and the Socialist Left - have successfully framed themselves as offering more stable and inclusive governance.
Key gains for the center-left appear concentrated in major urban centers like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim.While final results are still being tallied, projections suggest the Labour party has increased its representation in several key city councils. The Progress Party, conversely, has seen losses in traditionally strongholds.
Voter turnout was reported at approximately 65%,slightly higher than the 2019 local elections. Analysts attribute this increase to heightened political engagement and a greater awareness of the issues at stake. The election campaign was dominated by debates over municipal finances, infrastructure advancement, and the integration of immigrants.
