No-confidence vote may lead to Norway gov’t fall

OSLO - Reuters

Norway’s parliament is set to vote today on a motion of no confidence in the justice minister, and the center-right government is expected to resign if it is passed.

Sylvi Listhaug, of the right-wing Progress Party, has caused a political storm by accusing the opposition Labor Party - the target of a 2011 massacre - of putting terrorists’ rights before national security.

The outcome of the vote will depend on the small Christian Democratic Party (CDP), traditionally a supporter of the government, which held meetings yesterday to decide its position. Snap elections are not allowed, and Norway’s next is not due until 2021.

Conservative Prime Minister Erna Solberg might be able to form a new cabinet, but the task could fall to Labor leader Jonas Gahr Stoere if the CDP switches sides.