fylkestings

A fylkesting is the county council in Norway. It is the highest political body in a Norwegian county, known as a fylke. The fylkesting is responsible for setting county-level policies and making decisions regarding the services that are provided at the county level. These services typically include public transport, upper secondary education, cultural institutions, and county roads.

Members of the fylkesting are elected by the residents of the county in municipal elections, which are held every four years. The number of representatives in a fylkesting varies depending on the population of the county. Once elected, the representatives form a council that meets several times a year to discuss and vote on important issues. The fylkesting elects an executive committee, known as the fylkesutvalg, which handles day-to-day administration and prepares proposals for the fylkesting. The leader of the fylkesting is typically referred to as the fylkesordfører.

The political composition of the fylkesting reflects the results of the elections, with different political parties represented. These parties form coalitions to govern and make decisions. The fylkesting plays a crucial role in the decentralized administrative system of Norway, ensuring that local and regional needs are addressed. Recent administrative reforms have led to the merging of several counties, resulting in larger fylker and consequently, larger fylkestings. The specific powers and responsibilities of the fylkesting are defined by national legislation.