EU energy policy causes coalition to collapse

For the first time in 25 years, Norway has a one-party government - albeit not a particularly strong one: In the dispute over the country's energy policy, the Centre Party (SP) withdrew from the minority government on Thursday and left the social democratic Workers' Party (AP) alone.

The decisive factor was conflicting views on the introduction of an EU energy market package - even though Norway is not even an EU member.

The dispute had been escalating for some time before the Centre Party got serious. Its party leader, former Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, and parliamentary group leader Marit Arnstad announced their party's withdrawal in Oslo.

The main argument is the concern that the Labour Party is too tied to the European electricity market and that electricity prices in Norway would therefore rise uncontrollably.

"We have been very clear all along in our position that it is out of the question for us to start the process that will tie us more closely to the dysfunctional EU electricity market," Vedum said. Arnstad added: "We cannot sit in a government with the AP without taking a different energy policy course."

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre will remain in office for the time being, which the now former coalition partner supports. "We will be a factual and constructive opposition party," said Arnstad.

According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Støre said at a press conference that he would have liked a different outcome to the conflict. But he stressed that this was only a factual issue. "We are parting ways as political friends." Støre is now allowed to fill eight ministerial posts.