Coalition Party (Norway)

In the context of Norwegian politics, a "Coalition Party" refers to a political party that is part of a coalition government. Due to Norway's multi-party system and proportional representation electoral system, single-party majority governments are rare. Therefore, governments are typically formed by coalitions of two or more parties that agree on a common political platform and policy objectives.

The formation of a coalition government usually follows a general election. After the election results are known, political parties engage in negotiations to determine which parties can agree on a program that allows them to govern together. The parties involved often need to compromise on their individual policy positions to reach a consensus.

The parties forming the coalition will typically hold ministerial posts in the government, reflecting their relative strength and contribution to the coalition's overall agenda. The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the largest party within the coalition.

Coalition governments in Norway can be based on center-left, center-right, or even cross-bloc coalitions, depending on the political landscape and the willingness of parties to cooperate across ideological divides. The stability and longevity of a coalition government depend on the ability of the member parties to maintain a working relationship and resolve disagreements effectively. Key indicators of coalition stability include party discipline during parliamentary votes and the degree of public support for the government's policies. If a coalition fractures, it can lead to a government crisis, potentially triggering a vote of no confidence or snap elections.