Norway's Socialist Left Party (SV) is grappling with a severe internal crisis after a leaked party letter warned of a 'toxic atmosphere that kills engagement.' The alarm follows SV's decisive reversal in parliament to support continued electricity allocation for Equinor's Melkøya gas plant in Hammerfest, a move that shattered its traditional alliance with the Red Party (Rødt).
A Leaked Letter Sounds the Alarm
The internal document, circulated among party members, states directly that the atmosphere within SV has become poisonous. This climate is reported to be extinguishing the voluntary engagement that forms the backbone of any Norwegian political movement. The controversy stems from a recent vote in the Storting. Initially, it appeared a majority would back a proposal from Rødt to release electricity reserved for Equinor's Melkøya facility, known for processing gas from the Snøhvit field. This would free up power for broader grid use amid southern Norway's capacity concerns. However, SV MPs performed a sharp about-face, siding with the government and ensuring the energy-intensive plant retained its dedicated power supply.
The Melkøya Reversal and Its Fallout
This parliamentary snuoperasjon, or U-turn, represents more than a simple policy disagreement. It strikes at the heart of SV's identity as a party historically built on opposition to Norway's oil and gas expansion, particularly in the vulnerable Arctic. The Melkøya plant is a cornerstone of Norway's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and a significant employer in Finnmark. SV leadership, including Energy Minister Terje Aasland from the Labour Party, argued that cutting its power would jeopardize jobs, gas supply contracts, and stability in the High North. For many grassroots SV members, this justification echoed government and industry talking points, betraying core principles of climate action and a managed transition away from fossil fuels.
The fallout was immediate and severe. The party's collaboration with Rødt, a crucial partnership for the left-wing opposition bloc, lies in tatters. Rødt's leader, Marie Sneve Martinussen, publicly criticized SV for abandoning a shared climate commitment. Within SV's own ranks, the disillusionment is profound. Local chapters in cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim have reported waves of frustration, with some long-standing members threatening to tear up their membership cards. The leaked letter gives formal voice to this grassroots fury, suggesting the leadership's top-down decision-making has created a chasm between the party's representatives in the Storting building and its base across the country.
SV's Internal Struggle for Direction
The crisis exposes a deeper, ongoing struggle within SV over its role in Norwegian politics. After participating in a coalition government that actively supported oil and gas exploration, the party has faced persistent questions about its environmental credibility. The Melkøya decision is seen by critics as the latest compromise that erodes its foundational ethos. Party leader Kirsti Bergstø has defended the vote, framing it as a pragmatic choice that considers workers' realities in the North. She points to SV's continued push for stricter climate regulations and a faster rollout of renewable energy as evidence of its enduring commitment. However, this realpolitik argument is failing to resonate with a significant portion of the party's idealistic core, who feel their political home is sacrificing its soul for marginal influence.
Internal critics argue the 'toxic atmosphere' stems from a lack of genuine debate before the fateful vote. They claim the parliamentary group made a strategic calculation without adequate consultation with the party's national council or grassroots bodies. This has fueled perceptions of an insulated elite losing touch with the movement that brought them to power. The discontent is not merely about a single gas plant, it is about democratic process, ideological purity, and the very purpose of a socialist party in an era defined by climate crisis. The letter warns that if engagement dies, the party's volunteer-driven machinery—essential for local election campaigns, community outreach, and political activism—could grind to a halt.
Political Repercussions Beyond the Party
The schism has tangible implications for Norway's political landscape. A weakened and divided SV undermines the cohesion of the political left, potentially strengthening the hand of the Conservative (Høyre) and Progress (FrP) parties. It also complicates future budget negotiations and climate policy talks in the Storting. For the government, SV's internal turmoil presents both a challenge and an opportunity, the party may be a less predictable partner, but its internal focus could make it less effective as an opposition force. Meanwhile, the debate over Melkøya highlights the national dilemma of balancing lucrative Arctic resource projects, which fund the Norwegian welfare state, against escalating climate targets and moral imperatives.
As the party prepares for its next national convention, the leaked letter serves as a stark manifesto of discontent. The leadership must now navigate a path to heal internal divisions, possibly through a renewed internal democratic process or a clearer strategic vision that reconciles principle with power. The alternative, as the letter's authors fear, is a continued erosion of trust and energy. The coming months will test whether SV can mend its 'toxic atmosphere' or if this internal conflict will permanently redefine Norway's socialist movement. The party's ability to reconcile its past ideals with present-day political realities will determine its relevance in shaping Norway's energy and climate future.