rødgrønn

Rødgrønn is a Norwegian political term used to describe a left-leaning, red-green coalition and the period when such a government held national power. The phrase signals a combination of social-democratic and environmentalist policy orientations, typically associated with a mix of left-wing and centrist/green parties.

Formation and composition: The term is most closely tied to the red-green coalition that came to power after the 2005 parliamentary elections. The government consisted of the Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet), the Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti), and the Centre Party (Senterpartiet). Jens Stoltenberg served as prime minister in this period, with his second cabinet (often described as the red-green government) governing Norway from 2005 to 2013.

Policy and agenda: The red-green governments pursued a model that emphasized a robust welfare state, public services, and social equality, alongside investments in education and infrastructure. Environmental and climate issues were central, with efforts toward sustainable development, renewable energy, and cautious regulation of markets. The coalition generally favored gradual reform, progressive taxation, and maintaining Norway’s welfare commitments within the framework of the country’s participation in the European Economic Area.

End and legacy: The red-green coalition remained in power until the 2013 elections, after which a center-right government took over. The term rødgrønn is still used in Norwegian political discourse to refer to left-leaning, environmentally oriented governance and to describe that historical governing period.