Labour wearing thin, Progressives and Conservatives make big gains
A new public opinion poll indicates that fully 45.5 percent of Norwegian voters would cast ballots today for either the right-wing Progress Party or the Conservatives. Together, they have far more support than the current left-centre coalition government and are close to a majority in parliament.
Explanations for Norwegians’ new attraction to more conservative politics varied, from theories that voters are simply tired of the current ruling coalition, to a desire for change and even a new perceived sense of greediness** after years of rising affluence tied to high prices for Norway’s oil. They’re perhaps less willing to share their newfound wealth with the rest of society, preferring to keep more of their earnings for themselves, argue some.
Pictured right: Siv Jensen want’s to be Norway’s new Prime Minister
“The Progress Party speaks a language people want to hear,” agrees Wessel. Party leader Siv Jensen has made it clear she’s ready to take over as prime minister, but that still depends on cooperation from the Conservatives. Unlike some of the small centrist parties that have claimed they’d never cooperate with the Progress Party, the Conservatives are keeping the door open.
**We have to wonder when the desire to keep more of one’s own money translated into “greed.” — Ed.