Norwegian Labour Party

The Norwegian Labour Party (Det norske Arbeiderpartiet, DNA or Arbeiderpartiet, AP) is a social democratic political party in Norway.

Related Topics:
Social democrat - Political party - Norway

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It was founded in 1887 and first ran in elections to the Storting (parliament) in 1894. It finally entered parliament in 1903 and steadily increased its vote until 1927, when it became the largest party--a position it has retained ever since, often with an absolute majority of parliamentary seats. In the election in 2001 it reached a low point of 24.3% of the popular vote, but was still the biggest party in the Storting. In the election of 2005 the party regained a lot and got 32.7% of the popular vote. It is the leading partner in the centre-left Red-Green Coalition, which won a majority in the 2005 elections. Labour leader Jens Stoltenberg is almost certain to become prime minister. He was previously prime minister from 2000 to 2001.

Related Topics:
1887 - Storting - Parliament - 1894 - 1903 - 1927 - Election in 2001 - Election of 2005 - Red-Green Coalition - Jens Stoltenberg - Prime minister - 2000

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From its roots as a radical alternative to the political establishment, the party grew to its current dominance through several eras:

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The party experienced a split in 1921 caused by a decision made two years earlier to join the Communist International. In 1923 the party left the Communist International, unwilling to obey orders from Moscow - Radek said that the party had entered on a false passport - and in 1927 it was once again united.

Related Topics:
1921 - Communist International - 1923 - Radek - 1927

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The first Labour government was formed in 1928, lasting only two weeks. During the early 1930s Labour abandoned its revolutionary profile and set for a reformist course. Labour then returned to government in 1935 and remained in power until 1965 (except for the exile period between 1940-1945 and one month in 1963). Other periods in government have been 1971-1972, 1973-1981, 1986-1989, 1990-1997 and 2000-2001. It has been in power most of this time and is largely to be credited for building the modern welfare state in Norway.

Related Topics:
1928 - 1930s - 1935 - 1965 - 1940 - 1945 - 1963 - 1971 - 1972 - 1973 - 1981 - 1986 - 1989 - 1990 - 1997 - 2000 - 2001 - Welfare state

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The Labour Party is still officially a social democratic party committed to liberal democratic ideals. During the last 20 years, the party has included more market liberalist principles in its policy, allowing for privatization of government-held assets and services and reducing progression in the income tax structure.

Related Topics:
Social democratic - Market liberalist

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The Labour Party profiles itself as a progressive party that subscribes to cooperation on a national as well as international level.

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The party's youth organization is known as the AUF (Arbeidernes Ungdomsfylking).

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