Labour Party tensions rise as support for Jonas Gahr Støre wanes ahead of elections in Norway

Amid weakening nationwide support, tensions and unease are brewing within the Labour Party. Discussions are reportedly taking place at both national and regional levels regarding whether Jonas Gahr Støre should continue leading the party into the upcoming parliamentary elections.

The unrest became increasingly evident on Monday afternoon when reports surfaced about several senior party figures advocating for a leadership change. Støre has reached out to key labor union leaders, urging them to publicly voice their backing for him. Peggy Hessen Følsvik, the leader of the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO), and Jørn Eggum from the second-largest union within LO, Fellesforbundet, were among those approached.

Følsvik eventually issued a statement affirming her and LO’s support for Støre, emphasizing that leadership choices are determined by the party’s internal democracy. While she acknowledged the challenging situation faced by the Labour Party, she concluded her message with a reiteration of her confidence in Støre.

The push for change within the party follows growing frustration over declining popularity, with recent polls indicating support as low as 17 percent. Despite rising calls for his resignation, Støre is determined to remain at the helm, claiming that his leadership is still supported by those close to him within the party.

On Tuesday morning, Deputy Leader and Minister of Labour and Inclusion, Tonje Brenna, addressed speculation about a potential leadership challenge, asserting that she has no intentions of contesting Støre’s position and reaffirming his suitability to lead the party.