Norway's Socialist Left Party (SV) has recorded its worst poll result in nine years, hitting a crisis point with just 4.1 percent voter support. The figure, from a January survey, places the party perilously close to the 4 percent parliamentary threshold and marks a steep 1.5 percentage point drop from its result in last autumn's general election. 'This is a shitty poll, 4.1 percent is far too poor,' said party deputy leader Lars Haltbrekken.
The poll confirms a dramatic decline for a party that was once a pivotal force in Norwegian centre-left governments. SV's support fell 1.1 percentage points from the previous month's measurement, making it the country's third-smallest party in the current poll. The result underscores a significant challenge for the party's leadership as it seeks to maintain relevance in a political landscape dominated by debates over the cost of living, energy policy, and Norway's future economic direction.
Broader Political Shifts
While SV struggles, its former major coalition partner, the Labour Party (Ap), has strengthened its position. Labour now commands 26.8 percent support, a jump of 2.8 percentage points from the previous month, though it remains 1.2 points below its election result. The Progress Party (Frp), which has vied with Labour for the top spot, saw its support decline by 2.1 points to 25.2 percent, which is still an improvement on its election performance.
The poll reveals notable movement across the spectrum. The Conservative Party (Høyre) stands at 16.0 percent, down 1.2 points. The Red Party (Rødt) gained 0.6 points to 7.0 percent, while the Centre Party (Sp) saw a significant increase of 2.4 points to 6.8 percent. The Christian Democratic Party (KrF) rose 1.7 points to 4.7 percent, placing it above the threshold. The Green Party (MDG) fell to 3.7 percent, and the Liberal Party (Venstre) dropped to 2.7 percent.
| Party | Support (%) | Change from Last Poll (p.p.) |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party (Ap) | 26.8 | +2.8 |
| Progress Party (Frp) | 25.2 | -2.1 |
| Conservative Party (H) | 16.0 | -1.2 |
| Red Party (R) | 7.0 | +0.6 |
| Centre Party (Sp) | 6.8 | +2.4 |
| Christian Democrats (KrF) | 4.7 | +1.7 |
| Socialist Left (SV) | 4.1 | -1.1 |
| Green Party (MDG) | 3.7 | -0.8 |
| Liberal Party (V) | 2.7 | -1.2 |
Historical Context and Immediate Challenges
This poll result represents the lowest point for SV in nearly a decade, a stark contrast to its influence during the Stoltenberg governments. The party's decline places intense pressure on its leadership to articulate a clear and compelling message. Being just a tenth of a percentage point above the parliamentary cut-off line creates an atmosphere of immediate political urgency. A fall below 4 percent in a future election would see SV lose all its seats in the Storting, fundamentally altering the dynamics of the Norwegian left.
The party's traditional platforms—strong environmental advocacy, skepticism towards European Union alignment, and a focus on welfare—are now contested spaces. Parties like the Greens, the Reds, and even the Centre Party are appealing to similar voter groups, fragmenting the support base. The current political debate, heavily focused on economic security and energy exports following the war in Ukraine, may also be sidelining SV's core issues.