Regjeringsprogram

Regjeringsprogram, or government program, is a political document that outlines the main priorities and policy actions a new government intends to pursue during its term. It is typically negotiated by the parties that form the governing coalition and is published shortly after a government is formed.

The purpose of the regjeringsprogram is to communicate the government’s direction to the parliament and the public. It serves as a guide for policy development, legislative proposals, and the annual budget process. While it is a political agreement rather than a binding legal contract, it carries political weight: ministers are expected to implement the measures it contains, and significant deviations can undermine support for the government.

Contents commonly found in a regjeringsprogram include overarching goals, sector-specific priorities (such as economy, welfare, climate, education, health, justice, and foreign policy), reforms to institutions or public services, and a fiscal framework with budgetary priorities and targets. It may also set timelines, milestones, and performance indicators to assess progress.

Development is usually the result of negotiations among coalition partners and sometimes supporting parties. The document is presented to the Storting (parliament) or equivalent legislative body as the government’s mandate. Its adoption signals the government’s agenda and forms the basis for subsequent policy proposals and votes.

Variations exist between countries. In some systems, a government program is accompanied by a formal declaration of intent or a confidence vote. Regardless of the institutional setting, the regjeringsprogram functions as the central policy roadmap for the administration’s term.