Statsministervervet

Statsministervervet refers to the office of the prime minister of Norway, the head of government in the country’s constitutional framework. The position leads the executive branch and chairs the cabinet, coordinating government policy and administration to implement the parliament’s decisions.

The prime minister is typically the leader of the party or coalition that holds or can secure a majority in the Storting, Norway’s parliament. After elections or a government change, the candidate who can command parliamentary support is invited to form a government. The prime minister is formally appointed by the king, acting on the advice of the majority in the Storting, and the cabinet is convened around the prime minister. The Prime Minister's Office (Statsministerens kontor) supports the office and coordinates between ministries.

Responsibilities include setting policy priorities, guiding the government program, and ensuring the implementation of government decisions across ministries. The prime minister represents Norway in international affairs, conducts diplomacy, and acts as a primary spokesperson for the government. Domestically, the role involves crisis management, economic policy coordination, and response to political developments, always within the framework of parliamentary responsibility.

Accountability for the government rests with the Storting. The cabinet must retain the confidence of the parliament; a loss of confidence or a resignation typically leads to a new government formation or a general election. The tenure of the prime minister is not fixed by law and ends with resignation, dismissal, or elections. The office operates within the constitutional limits that define Norway as a constitutional monarchy with the monarch having a largely ceremonial role.