Norwegian Parliament

Norwegian Parliament. The Stortinget is the supreme legislature of the Kingdom of Norway, established by the Constitution of Norway signed at Eidsvoll in 1814. As a unicameral body, it holds sovereignty and is responsible for legislation, the national budget, and parliamentary oversight. Its 169 representatives are elected from nineteen counties through a system of proportional representation.

History

The foundational event for the modern legislature was the constitutional assembly at Eidsvoll in 1814, following the Treaty of Kiel and the dissolution of the union with Denmark. This period, known as the Riksforsamlingen, created a framework influenced by ideas from the American Revolution and the French Revolution. For much of the 19th century, political power was contested between the Storting and the Swedish monarch under the personal union, culminating in the pivotal Impeachment case of 1884 and the establishment of parliamentarism in Norway. The Dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden in 1905 was ratified by the Storting, leading to the election of King Haakon VII. Key historical acts passed include the extension of full suffrage to women in 1913 and the defiant stance against the Nazi occupation during World War II.

Composition and elections

The Storting is composed of 169 members elected for four-year terms from nineteen multi-member constituencies aligned with the Counties of Norway. Elections employ an open list proportional representation system, using the modified Sainte-Laguë method to allocate seats, which favors smaller parties like the Liberal Party and the Christian Democratic Party. The electoral threshold is set at 4% for nationwide seat allocation, a rule that has shaped the fortunes of parties such as the Green Party. All citizens over 18 are eligible to vote and stand for election, with the most recent general election being the 2021 Norwegian parliamentary election.

Functions and powers

As the supreme legislative authority, the Storting enacts laws, approves the state budget proposed by the Cabinet, and exercises control over the executive through mechanisms like interpellations and standing committee hearings. It ratifies major international treaties, such as those concerning the European Economic Area and NATO. The legislature also holds the power to amend the Constitution of Norway and can, by a three-quarters majority, override a royal veto. A unique function is the division of the body into the Lagting and Odelsting for certain legislative reviews, though this practice was largely ceremonial before being formally abolished in 2009.

Building

The seat of the legislature is the iconic Storting building, located on Karl Johans gate in central Oslo. Designed by the Swedish architect Emil Victor Langlet, its construction was completed in 1866. The building's architecture is characterized by its Romanesque Revival style, a prominent circular hall, and an imposing facade. It houses the main debating chamber, committee rooms, and offices for representatives. The building is situated near other national institutions like the Royal Palace and the National Theatre.

Political parties

The political landscape in the Storting is characterized by a multi-party system. The current government is formed by the Labour Party under Jonas Gahr Støre and the Centre Party led by Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, with support from the Socialist Left Party. The main opposition is led by the Conservative Party and the Progress Party. Other represented parties include the Red Party, the Green Party, the Liberal Party, and the Christian Democratic Party. Historically, the Labour Party and the Conservative Party have been the two largest forces, with significant policy debates centering on the management of the Government Pension Fund Global and membership in the European Union.

Category:National legislatures Category:Politics of Norway Category:1814 establishments in Norway