The Government and Political System in Norway

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Herald V, King of Norway, fuenteNorway is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The current King of Norway is Harald V who belongs to a branch of the princely family of Glücksburg, originally from Schleswig-Holstein in Germany. His role is largely ceremonial. Although the constitution grants important executive powers to the King, these are almost always exercised by the Council of State in the name of the King (King's Council, or cabinet). However, his reserve powers, particularly with regard to security and defence are significant.

Although parliamentarism entails that the appointment by the King is a formality when there is a clear majority in Parliament, there has been no clear majority to any party for a long time so the King's political influence is significant. The Council of State consists of a Prime Minister and other ministers, formally appointed by the King.

The Norwegian parliament, Stortinget, currently has 169 members, elected from the nineteen counties for four-year terms according to a system of proportional representation.


Labour Party leader Jens Stoltenberg is the current Prime Minister of Norway.