Velgerstøtten

Velgerstøtten, meaning "voter support" in Norwegian, refers to a system of financial support for political parties in Norway. This system is designed to ensure that all political parties represented in the Storting (parliament) have a baseline level of funding to operate, regardless of their size or membership. The support is primarily based on the number of votes a party receives in the most recent parliamentary election.

The aim of velgerstøtten is to promote a more diverse political landscape and to prevent smaller parties from being disadvantaged due to a lack of resources. It helps cover expenses such as maintaining party organizations, conducting political campaigns, and employing staff. The exact amount of support per vote can vary year by year and is determined by the government.

While velgerstøtten is intended to foster political equality, it has also been a subject of debate. Critics sometimes argue that it can create an unfair advantage for established parties and may discourage parties from seeking private donations. However, proponents emphasize its role in strengthening democracy by enabling broader political participation and representation. The system is regularly reviewed and adjusted to reflect the evolving political environment in Norway.