Departementene

Departementene, often translated as ministries, are the core institutions of the Norwegian government's executive branch. They are led by ministers who sit in the cabinet, and collectively they are referred to as the departementene. Each department is responsible for a defined policy area, such as finance, justice, education, health, or foreign affairs, and for coordinating state activities within that area.

Within each department, a senior civil service organization supports policy development, preparation of legislation, budgeting, and the administration of public services. Departments oversee a range of subordinate agencies, directorates, and public bodies that implement government decisions and deliver services to citizens and businesses. They work with other departments on cross-cutting issues and ensure consistency of policy across the administration.

Operationally, departments develop policy proposals, present bills to the Storting (parliament), and implement laws once they have been enacted. The annual state budget is prepared by the ministries in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, and implementation is carried out by the civil service under each department. The government remains accountable to the Storting, which can scrutinize and request reports from the departments.

Historically, the concept of separate ministries has formed the backbone of the Norwegian administrative system since the 19th century, evolving through reorganizations and name changes as policy priorities have shifted. Today the departementene define the framework within which public administration operates, balancing political leadership with professional expertise.