Norwegians head to polls in tight race between Labour, Centre-right

Norwegians are voting in a closely fought general election that will determine whether the country continues under a Labour-led government or shifts to the centre right.

Just over four million people are eligible to cast their ballots in the Nordic nation, a founding member of Nato that shares an Arctic border with Russia and participates in the EU’s single market without being a member state.

Despite its small population, Norway has long exerted influence well beyond its size on the global stage.

International issues — from the war in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in Gaza to US trade tariffs — have featured prominently during the campaign.

But as election day approached, domestic concerns increasingly took centre stage.

Rising living costs and a widening gap between rich and poor have dominated the final stretch, with parties trading promises on how best to shield households from economic strain.

Analysts say the outcome is too close to call, with both blocs scrambling to secure enough support to form a stable coalition.

The result will set the tone not only for Norway’s handling of pressing international crises, but also for how it tackles inequality at home.