The Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti, SP) has announced, through its national assembly, that it will have a referendum on any possible government platform should it be part of a new left-wing coalition government. This has led to tensions with the Senterpartiet (Center Party, SP).
Possible red-green coalition partners
If today brings about a change of government, there is a high chance the Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet, AP) will lead a “red-green” coalition with the help of SV and the SP. Both the AP and SP have announced that they hope to form a 3 party coalition along with the SP. However, the SP has previously stated that it wants to form a government without the SV.
The announcement of this SV party referendum has only increased tensions between the two possible coalition partners. Such a bold move, even before the polls have closed, has been met with criticism and skepticism.
A government platform is a list of objectives that a new government, when entering office, hopes to achieve. The SV, should it see itself as part of negotiations to form a new government, will put these objectives out for its members to vote on.
Will happen anyway, AP tight lipped
Regardless of the election results, the SP will still have the referendum. In a written statement to NTB, Party Secretary Audun Herning said:
“It is an important part of our plan to succeed as a government party, and we assume that parties that form a government with each other, want each other well and want all parties that participate, to succeed.”
AP leader, Jonas Gahr Støre, has remained tight-lipped about the possible ramifications of the SV referendum and how it could affect coalition negotiations. Talking to NTB he said:
“I choose to say that each party must take responsibility for its own process…” and that he would wait and see what would happen if the SP doesn’t accept the fact that the SV is holding a referendum on any government platform.
Source: © NTB Scanpix / #NorwayToday / #NorwayTodayNews
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