How foreign residents in Norway can influence political decisions

Local Norway

25-02-2025

Politics For Members
Despite not being able to vote in general elections, there is plenty foreigners in Norway can do to ensure their voices are heard on political decisions that may affect them or be close to their heart.
Are you passionate about an issue that – in your opinion – is not receiving enough attention?
Worried about over-tourism in your city, residency permit rules, or deep-sea drilling?
In Norway, you have multiple ways to influence political decisions, whether at the local or national level.
The Local has put together a short guide with the key ways you can participate in the political processes in the country and push for change.
One of the most effective ways to influence political decisions is, still, through the media (including The Local).
Politicians closely follow newspapers, television, and digital platforms, as these shape public discourse and influence decision-making in the country.
Writing an open letter or opinion piece for a newspaper can help highlight an issue and spark public debate.
Many major national media outlets, such as Aftenposten, VG, and NRK, have sections dedicated to public discussions where you can share your concerns.
You can always pitch a story directly to journalists, as reporters are often looking for compelling topics that require political action.
Social media – used by most Norwegian politicians and media houses – also provides a platform for the public to engage with politicians and journalists.
Joining organisations
Another way to influence political decisions is by joining an organisation that aligns with your cause.
Norway has a strong tradition of civic engagement through groups that advocate for various issues, including human rights (such as Amnesty International Norge), environmental policies (such as Friends of the Earth Norway), and labour rights (think unions).
Becoming a member of an organisation allows you to participate in campaigns, lobbying efforts, and awareness initiatives that can pressure policymakers to act.
Many organisations have direct access to politicians and the media, making them an effective platform for collective action.
Public consultations and committee consultations
Another way to influence political decisions in Norway is by participating in public consultations.
Before a new law is introduced or an existing law is amended, the government follows a structured process, one of which includes a consultation phase.
This stage allows experts, organisations, and the public to provide feedback on proposed legislative changes.
During the consultation period, the government publishes detailed information about the proposed law or changes to a law on its official website.
Anyone can review the proposal and submit a response, which is then made publicly available. This allows you to voice concerns, support, or alternative suggestions directly to policymakers before a final decision is made.
12 standing committees in the parliament.
These committees are responsible for examining legislative proposals in detail.
Engaging with these committees offers another avenue for you to influence political decisions, as they may choose to hold public hearings or invite written comments on a particular bill or amendment.
Getting into politics or contacting politicians directly
Getting involved in politics is another way to shape decision-making. By joining a political party, you can take part in shaping its policies and priorities.
Political parties allow their members to propose policies, participate in internal debates, and influence their platforms.
If you do not wish to join a party, contacting a politician directly can be an effective way to raise concerns.
Members of parliament, municipal council representatives, and other elected officials are usually accessible via email or social media, and many are open to engaging with constituents.
A simple Google search with the name of the politician in question will often be enough to pinpoint their official email address.
You can find the form for contacting MPs or parliamentary groups on the official website of the Norwegian parliament (Storting), here.
Protests
Public protests are a great way of bringing attention to important issues and influencing the debate surrounding an issue.
Historically, protests and rallies have played a crucial role in shaping policy discussions in Norway.
An excellent example can be found in the Alta-saken (Alta case) protests, a major environmental and Indigenous rights movement that took place between the late 1960s and early 1980s.
The protests were triggered by plans to build a large hydropower plant on the Alta River in Finnmark, northern Norway.
The conflict became a defining moment for both Norwegian environmental activism and Sámi Indigenous rights.
More recently, Sámi activists have led protests against wind farms built on reindeer herding lands, arguing that these projects violate their Indigenous rights and disrupt their traditional way of life.
The most high-profile case has been the opposition to the Fosen wind farm in Trøndelag, central Norway.
Participating in elections and electoral debates (provided you're allowed to vote)
Voting remains the most fundamental way to influence political decisions in a democracy.
However, while only citizens and dual-citizens can vote in parliamentary elections, those who have lived in Norway long enough can head to the ballots in local elections.
If you need some help, the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) created Valgomat, an online voting guide that helps voters decide which political party aligns best with their views in Norwegian elections.
The tool asks you a series of questions on key political issues surrounding the election and then compares your answers with the policies of different political parties.
Beyond voting, you can also participate in election campaigns and attend political debates to challenge candidates on key issues and advocate for change.
Arendalsuka, Norway's most prominent annual political gathering, held in the coastal town of Arendal every August, is a prime event where you can do just that, as it serves as an open arena for debate, public engagement, and networking between politicians, business leaders, organisations, media, and citizens.
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