Norway set for status quo in election

As the first exit polls in Norway’s general election indicate the return of the centre-left government, euronews has been assessing the implications for the country.

Green party MEP Eva Joly who is a lawyer and political expert on her native Norway gave this reaction:

“For the first time in 40 years the voters have returned a government to power. That leads one to assume the current government policy will continue. That is to say that Norway will continue to be one of the major energy suppliers to the EU. Norway supplies about 30 percent of gas to France, Belgium and Germany – There is no reason to think that this policy will change.”

euronews: “At a time when Iceland is applying for entry into the EU, would it be a suitable moment for Norway to look at the possibility of joining too?”

Eva Joly:“It is an obvious question to ask but in Norway it’s taboo. It is taboo because there have been two referendums, in 72 and in 94, which were very soundly negative. So if the coalition government is re-elected the question of membership will not be raised.”

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Elections, Norway