The politics of Norway take place in the framework of a parliamentary, representative democratic constitutional monarchy. Executive power is exercised by the Council of State, the cabinet, led by the prime minister of Norway. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the legislature, the Storting, elected within a multi-party system. The judiciary is independent of the executive branch and the legislature.
Harald V has been King of Norway since 1991. The Norwegian king has mainly symbolic powers.
Kåre Willoch (Conservative Party) was Prime Minister from 1981 until 1986.
Thorbjørn Jagland (Labour) was Prime Minister 1996–97. He has later become Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
Stortinget, Oslo
Council of State (Norway)
The Council of State is a formal body composed of the most senior government ministers chosen by the Prime Minister, and functions as the collective decision-making organ constituting the executive branch of the Kingdom. The council simultaneously plays the role of privy council as well as government Cabinet.
The council meets in the Royal Palace, Oslo
Image: Jonas Gahr Støre 25061469895 (cropped)
Image: NM Tonje Brenna 6 51976038435 (cropped)
Image: Kjersti Toppe kandidater Sp, stortingsvalget 2013 (2)