Nordic Prime Ministers Annual Meeting in Vestmannaeyjar on June 26, 2023
Nordic Prime Ministers Annual Meeting in Vestmannaeyjar on June 26, 2023
IMAGO / Lehtikuva

Northern Exposure

Politics and Change in the Nordic Countries

The Nordic countries have, for decades, been characterised by a strong welfare state and strong unions, creating more equal societies with low levels of poverty and exclusion, high levels of gender equality and employment, and some of the highest standards of living seen.

Nonetheless, the “Nordic model” has long been under stress. The region is not immune from the broader dynamics, trends and challenges of liberal democracies: the rise of the far right and right-wing populism, the neoliberal push for austerity and privatisation, the erosion of the gains of feminism, the so-called refugee crisis and the rise of racist discourse associated with it, and the struggle to combat climate change.

The political traditions, landscapes, and contexts for the emergence and success of political parties and movements across the Nordic region differ substantially, including very different economic profiles, and varying approaches to the European Union and EU integration.

This section provides political analysis on the situation and development of the left in the Nordic region, its challenges, and opportunities.

more on this topic

hanna-gedin2_c-640x360 Agnes Stuber

“We need to give people hope”

Hanna Gedin, Duroyan Fertl
Northern ExposureElections and parties
An interview with Hanna Gedin from the Swedish Left Party Vänsterpartiet on the priorities and challenges of the Swedish Left ahead of the European elections.  In the lead up to the 2024 European Parliament elections this June, the Rosa Luxemburg-Stiftung is conducting a series of interviews with parties and ... read more "”We need to give people hope”"
The Finns Party presidential candidate Jussi Halla-aho at his election reception in Helsinki on January 28, 2024. imago / Lehtikuva

Finland’s far right: between scandal and mainstream

Tatu Ahponen
Northern Exposure
The Finnish government was sent into upheaval almost as soon as it was formed in June last year, as multiple revelations of racist statements and memes emerged concerning one of the new coalition’s two main parties – The Finns, a far-right nationalist anti-immigration party. The crisis almost brought ... read more "Finland’s far right: between scandal and mainstream"
3967-640x360

Northern Lights? Nordic lessons for the just transition

Duroyan Fertl
Northern Exposure
For many, Scandinavia is synonymous with social democracy, high union density, public ownership, and progressive governments inclined to climate action and sustainable policies. A recent study tour to Norway and Denmark, hosted by Rosa Luxemburg Foundation’s New York and Brussels offices, found that ... read more "Northern Lights? Nordic lessons for the just transition"
Conservative party leader Erna Solberg after the results of the elections of September 11 were announced.

In Norway local elections herald a shift to the right

Ingrid Wergeland
Northern ExposureElections and parties
For the first time in a century, Norway’s Labour Party failed to top the country’s local and regional elections, pipped to the post by the centre-right conservatives. Ingrid Wergeland looks at the election, and the political trends behind the result.   A dark blue wind A dark blue wind has ... read more "In Norway local elections herald a shift to the right"
The workshop facilitated the exchange of experiences and strategies among the parties.

“Security and the Left” – Impact Workshop

Duroyan Fertl
Northern Exposure
Event ReportOn 8-9 June 2023 the Brussels Office of the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (RLS) hosted a workshop in Malmö to facilitate the exchange of experiences and strategies between several left-wing parties grappling with the issue of security policy, particularly in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of ... read more "“Security and the Left” – Impact Workshop"
Finland s President Sauli Niinisto meets with the new government led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Helsinki, June 20, 2023

Finland’s Cabinet of Horrors

Pinja Vuorinen
Northern ExposureElections and parties
The Finnish parliamentary elections were held on April 2, but it has taken almost three months for a new government to be formed. After only two weeks in power, Finland’s new right-wing coalition faces neo-Nazi scandals and a mounting opposition to its austerian agenda that make it seem increasingly unlikely to last the full ... read more "Finland’s Cabinet of Horrors"
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) and his cabinet during the opening of the 167th Norwegian Parliament on 3rd October 2022

Strained Alliances in Norwegian Politics

Ingrid Wergeland
Northern ExposureElections and parties
The first two years of Norway’s Arbeiderpartiet (Labour Party)/ Senterpartiet (Centre Party) coalition government have seen the challenges mount up, with debates about solidarity dominating at the international level, while domestic economic inequality has increased.   A new hope? The expectations for real ... read more "Strained Alliances in Norwegian Politics"
Supporters of the Swedish Left Party march through Malmö on International Workers’ Day, 1 May 2023.

Sweden in NATO — And Then What?

Jonas Sjöstedt
Northern Exposure
In late March of this year, the Swedish Parliament voted by a large majority to join NATO and abandon the country’s traditional policy of military non-alignment. Only the Left and Green parties voted against the move. Outside parliament, a majority of the Swedish people also favour joining NATO. Next door, Finland’s ... read more "Sweden in NATO — And Then What?"
more posts