Senterpartiet

Senterpartiet, commonly abbreviated Sp, is a Norwegian political party centered on agrarian and centrist politics. It represents rural and regional interests, advocates decentralization of power to local governments, and emphasizes safeguarding welfare and agricultural sectors. The party has historically opposed membership of Norway in the European Union and has supported maintaining access to European markets through the EEA arrangement without full EU membership.

The party originated in 1920 as Bondepartiet (the Farmers’ Party) and later adopted the name Senterpartiet, reflecting its broad-centre appeal beyond farmers alone. It has drawn most of its support from rural districts across the country, particularly in Western and Northern Norway, and from farmers, fishermen, and other rural workers. Its platform emphasizes local decision-making, infrastructure development in rural areas, and a cautious approach to centralization.

In Parliament, Senterpartiet has been a significant force and has sometimes participated in government coalitions or served as a balancing party in minority governments. It seeks cross-ideological cooperation, balancing traditional agrarian concerns with broader social and regional policies. Key policy priorities include decentralization, reform of regional and agricultural subsidies, and stronger protection of Norwegian industries and rural livelihoods.

The party has been led by Trygve Slagsvold Vedum since 2014, and it remains a major voice in Norwegian politics, often positioned between the traditional left and right, advocating for rural communities and regional equality.