Among those who supported maintaining the monarchy were: representatives of groups that declare support for its abolition in their political programs. Only MPs from the Green Party and the radical left Red Party voted for the introduction of the republic.
What decisions did the Norwegian Parliament make regarding the political system?
Which parties voted for the introduction of a republic in Norway?
What are the causes of the monarchy crisis in Norway?
How has support for the monarchy in Norway changed between 2017 and 2024?
Parliament (Storting) decided to maintain the monarchy during its most serious crisis in years. Its source is the criminal charges against Marius Borg Hoeiby, the son of Princess Mette-Marit, and the reports revealed in recent days about her unclear relations with the American financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
More and more Norwegians want to abolish the monarchy
Public opinion polls in Norway and expert statements indicate growing social divisions regarding the monarchy. In an interview with PAP, political scientist Craig Aaen-Stockdale from the Norway Republic movement emphasized that although support for the monarchy remains high, between 2017 and 2024 it decreased from 80%. to approximately 62 percent As he said, the republican system is gaining supporters, especially among young voters and residents of large cities.
— A hereditary head of state is contrary to the principles of equality of citizens before the law, and the monarch himself is neither criminal nor politically liable, and may even exempt members of the ruling family from it. An elected president would better meet contemporary expectations of democracy, Aaen-Stockdale said.
“It's a crisis”
Experts emphasize, however, that despite the current crisis, the monarchy in Norway still plays a stabilizing role in the political system. For Tove Taalesen, a long-time head of service at the Royal Palace and author of books about the behind-the-scenes life of the Norwegian royal family, Tuesday's vote showed that the Storting separated its assessment of the royal family's current image problems from the institution of the monarchy itself. However, in an interview with PAP, Taalsen had no doubt that the recent events would leave a deep mark.
– This is not just one of many problems, it is a crisis that will be remembered forever in the history of the Norwegian royal family – said Taalesen.
