Norwegian Politics Shifts Right: FRP and Conservatives Surge in New Polls

Oslo, Norway – A new poll released on March 24, 2026, indicates a significant shift in Norwegian political sentiment, with the Progress Party (FRP) and the Conservative Party (Høyre) experiencing a surge in support. The results suggest a potential for a right-leaning coalition government in the 2029 elections.

FRP Achieves Highest Polling Numbers in 17 Years

The FRP, led by Sylvi Listhaug, has reached 28.1 percent in the latest Norstat poll conducted for Dagbladet, Vårt Land, and NRK – its highest showing since 2009. This strong performance, coupled with the Conservative Party’s results, positions the right-wing bloc to potentially secure a majority in parliament.

Conservative Gains and Potential Majority

The Conservative Party, under Ine Eriksen Søreide, garnered 19.6 percent in the same poll. Combined with the FRP’s 28.1 percent, the two parties alone command a majority, signaling a strong possibility of a center-right government after the next election. Søreide described the results as a “good starting point for a bourgeois majority in 2029,” emphasizing the need to continue addressing the challenges faced by Norwegians and offer a clear alternative to the current government. Dagbladet

Labor Party Struggles with Declining Support

Conversely, the Labour Party, led by Jonas Gahr Støre, is facing challenges, receiving 21.9 percent in the poll. This represents a decline in support and indicates a potential loss of over 100,000 voters to the FRP and Conservative Party if an election were held today. The Labour Party has previously attributed declining results to a lack of trust following recent scandals. Dagbladet

Concerns Over Political Connections and Lobbying

The rise of the FRP has prompted scrutiny from the Red Party (Rødt), which expresses concerns about potential connections between the FRP and public relations firms. Rødt fears that a Listhaug-led government might appoint individuals with ties to the PR industry to key positions. The party characterizes the FRP as being closely aligned with lobbying interests. Nettavisen

Political Polarization and the Role of Rødt

The FRP has consistently used Rødt as a cautionary example to discourage voters from supporting the left-leaning bloc. This tactic has drawn criticism from Rødt leader Mímir Kristjánsson, who has challenged Sylvi Listhaug and Erna Solberg to a public debate. Dagsavisen

Rødt itself is experiencing a surge in support, reaching new heights in the recent poll. The party attributes its success to its focus on constructive policy proposals and achieving tangible results, such as securing funding for dental health reform and increased staffing in kindergartens.

Looking Ahead

The latest polling data suggests a significant shift in the Norwegian political landscape. The FRP’s strong performance and the Conservative Party’s gains indicate a growing appetite for right-leaning policies. As the 2029 elections approach, the political debate is likely to intensify, with the Labour Party seeking to regain lost ground and the right-wing bloc aiming to consolidate its position.