Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Populist Surge Spells Trouble Ahead for Norway's Government

Reuters

   OSLO - Norwegians voting in local elections abandoned major parties in
   record numbers on Monday, according to early counts, opting for a
   plethora of smaller groups in the latest show of political discontent
   in Europe.

   While Prime Minister Erna Solberg's ruling Conservatives were on track
   for their worst performance in regional voting since 2003, the top
   opposition Labour Party's support could dwindle to record lows,
   broadcasters NRK and TV2 reported.

   The election boosted a broad range of parties, including Socialists,
   Communists, the Greens and the rural Centre Party, as well as the
   pro-motorist FNB, which dedicates itself to opposing congestion charges
   and other road tolls.

   Although regional votes have no impact on the composition of
   parliament, and a general election is two years away, the growing
   rural-urban divide and a backlash against government reforms make it
   more difficult to govern, analysts say.

   Among the decisions driving discontent were the forced merger in recent
   years of several municipalities, along with unpopular decisions to
   reorganize the police and hospitals, leaving some communities with less
   access to public services.

.