Oslo(Norway), September 15: Norway’s left-wing coalition held onto a razor-thin majority in general election after a campaign pitting improvements to the welfare state against tax cuts in the oil-rich economy.
Labour Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg declared victory for his government, which was seen winning a slim, one-seat majority with 99.4 per cent of votes counted.
“It’s wise to be a little cautious, but seeing how things are looking, it seems we will be able to continue” in power, Stoltenberg said during a meeting of party leaders in parliament.
If the results are confirmed, Stoltenberg’s government would be the first to win re-election in the wealthy Scandinavian country since 1993.
The outgoing coalition, made up of the Labour Party and two junior partners, will hold 86 of the 169 seats in parliament, losing one seat from their previous mandate.
A total of 85 seats are needed for an absolute majority.
—PTI