Norway’s Election Opens Door to More Restrictive Oil and Gas Policies

Oslo, Norway – The Norwegian election is a turning point for climate and energy policy. With a Labour-led government strengthened by the Green Party (MDG) crossing the parliamentary threshold of 4% (which gives parties a larger group of MPs), there is now a real possibility of shifting away from oil and gas expansion and toward a Paris-aligned transition. 

The Greens’ gaining ground,  along with the Socialist Left (SV) and the Red Party (Rødt) both pushing to change the country’s oil policy, will deepen the pressure on the Labour-led government to end new oil and gas exploration. This result opens the door to long-overdue policies that prioritize a just transition for workers and communities.

Silje Lundberg, North Sea Campaign Manager at Oil Change International, said:
“This election gives Norway a chance to change course. The Labour Party is now dependent on support from a big green block in parliament. The government must seize this moment to end new oil and gas exploration and align with the Paris Agreement.”

“At the same time, we are alarmed by the rise of the Progress Party, now Norway’s second largest party. This makes it even more urgent that the government ensures a just transition away from fossil fuels – proving that a fair and managed shift is possible.”

“Norway has the opportunity to lead by example – and the world is watching.”

Note to the editor:
OCI recently published a report that shows that Norwegian Labour and Conservative parties echo the oil industry in their communication. Read the report (only available in Norwegian)

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