Valgfris

Valgfris is a term used in the context of Danish and Norwegian politics to describe a situation where a political party or coalition holds a majority of seats in a legislative body but lacks the absolute majority required to pass legislation without opposition. The term originates from the Danish phrase "valgfrihed," meaning "electoral freedom," but in political discourse, it is often used to describe a scenario where a governing party must negotiate with opposition parties to secure passage of bills.

In parliamentary systems like those in Denmark and Norway, a single party or coalition typically needs a majority of votes to govern effectively. However, if no party or coalition achieves an outright majority, the term *valgfris* may be used to describe the resulting uncertainty or dependence on opposition support. This can lead to more collaborative policymaking but also potential instability, as opposition parties may demand concessions in exchange for their votes.

The concept is particularly relevant in proportional representation systems, where smaller parties can hold significant influence despite not being part of the governing coalition. *Valgfris* situations often require careful negotiation and compromise, as governing parties must balance their policy goals with the demands of opposition factions to maintain legislative support. This dynamic can result in more inclusive governance but may also lead to slower decision-making processes.