Storting

Storting
source
Name	Storting
Native name	Stortinget
Legislature	Parliament of Norway
House type	Unicameral
Foundation	1814
Leader1 type	President of the Storting
Leader1	Masud Gharahkhani
Election1	2021
Members	169
Political groups1	Government (76), Labour Party (48), Centre Party (28), Opposition (93), Conservative Party (36), Progress Party (21), Socialist Left Party (13), Red Party (8), Liberal Party (8), Green Party (3), Christian Democratic Party (3), Patient Focus (1)
Voting system1	Open list proportional representation in multi-member constituencies
Last election1	13 September 2021
Meeting place	Storting building, Karl Johans gate, Oslo
Website	https://www.stortinget.no

Storting. The Storting is the supreme legislature of Norway, established by the Constitution of Norway signed at Eidsvoll in 1814. It is a unicameral body, though it divides into two sections, the Lagting and the Odelsting, for certain legislative procedures. The assembly meets in the historic Storting building on Karl Johans gate in the capital, Oslo, and its members are elected through a system of proportional representation.

History

The foundation of the Storting traces directly to the Norwegian Constitution adopted on 17 May 1814 at Eidsvoll, following the Treaty of Kiel and the dissolution of the union with Denmark. This period, known as the Constituent Assembly, was influenced by ideas from the American Revolution and the French Revolution. Throughout the 19th century, it was central to political conflicts like the language conflict and the struggle for parliamentarism, which was established in 1884 following the impeachment of Selmer's cabinet. Key historical events involving the Storting include the peaceful dissolution of the Union between Sweden and Norway in 1905 and its resilience during the Norwegian campaign and Nazi occupation in World War II.

Composition and election

The Storting is composed of 169 representatives elected for a four-year term from 19 multi-member constituencies, which correspond to the Counties of Norway. Elections are governed by the Norwegian Election Act and use an open list system of proportional representation, specifically a modified version of the Sainte-Laguë method. To secure representation, a party must achieve at least 4% of the national vote, the national threshold, or win a leveling seat in one of the constituencies. Notable political parties regularly represented include the Labour Party, the Conservative Party, and the Progress Party.

Powers and functions

As the supreme legislative authority, the Storting holds the power to enact laws, pass the national budget, and ratify treaties such as those concerning membership in NATO and the European Economic Area. It exercises control over the Government, led by the Prime Minister, through mechanisms like question time, interpellation debates, and investigative committees. The Storting also has exclusive authority to levy taxes and appropriations, and it appoints key officials including the Parliamentary Intelligence Oversight Committee and the Auditor General. Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority.

Parliamentary groups

Members of the Storting organize into parliamentary groups based on party affiliation, which are crucial for committee assignments, speaking time, and legislative negotiations. The current groups are formed around parties like the Labour Party, the Conservative Party, the Centre Party, and the Socialist Left Party. These groups elect their own leadership, including a group chairman, and coordinate their voting strategies. The allocation of seats on influential committees such as the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs and the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence is proportional to the size of each parliamentary group.

Building

The Storting convenes in the iconic Storting building, a neoclassical structure designed by the Swedish architect Emil Victor Langlet and completed in 1866. Located at the heart of Oslo on Karl Johans gate, the building's central location faces the Royal Palace and is near landmarks like the National Theatre and the University of Oslo. Its most recognizable feature is the semi-circular plenary chamber, and the complex also includes the Lagting Chamber, various committee rooms, and the Storting Library. The building has undergone several expansions and renovations, including significant work after the 1990s, to accommodate modern parliamentary functions.