Fylkesting

Fylkesting, or county council, is the elected deliberative assembly of a Norwegian county municipality (fylkeskommune). It represents residents of the county and serves as the primary political body that sets the county's direction within the framework of national law. The fylkesting delegates policy priorities, approves budgets, and adopts plans for the county's services and infrastructure.

Composition and elections: Members are elected every four years in county elections, held in conjunction with municipal elections. The number of seats varies by county and is distributed among political parties in proportion to votes. The council's members typically form coalitions to appoint the executive body and to govern. The political leadership is headed by the fylkesordfører (county mayor).

Powers and responsibilities: The fylkesting's core responsibilities include oversight of upper secondary education (videregående skole) and transport planning and funding for county roads, regional development, culture and libraries, and other regional services as defined by law. It approves the annual budget and long-term strategic plans and makes decisions on major investments. The fylkesting also appoints the head of the county administration (fylkesrådmann) and oversees the administration through the fylkesutvalg (executive committee).

Relationship to municipalities and government: The fylkesting operates within national legislation and coordinates with the municipalities in its county and with the central government. It conducts oversight and ensures alignment with national policy while managing regional tasks delegated by Parliament and government.