Norwegian Parliament Approves New Salaries for MPs and Prime Minister

The Norwegian Parliament, known as the Stortinget, has approved new annual salaries for its members, the government, and the Prime Minister. According to reports from Dagbladet, the pay raise is 4.4 percent, aligning with the “frontfaget” benchmark and setting a representative’s annual salary at 1,272,209 NOK.

The vote occurred during the second-to-last parliamentary session before the summer break. The decision follows a June 11 proposal from the Storting’s remuneration committee.

How much did the salaries increase?

The 4.4 percent adjustment results in different absolute increases depending on the role. Members of parliament receive an annual increase of 57,232 NOK, according to the report.

Government members will see a raise of 81,683 NOK, bringing their total annual pay to 1,815,703 NOK. The Prime Minister receives the largest increase at 100,544 NOK, for a total annual salary of 2,234,978 NOK.

Which parties opposed the pay raises?

Three parties—SV, Rødt, and MdG—voted against the salary increases. Despite this opposition, the measure passed with a large majority.

Ingrid Fiskaa of SV stated that her party has consistently proposed lowering the base remuneration. Fiskaa argued that the current model allows those at the top of the income scale to pull away, calling large social differences “poison for society.”

What were the primary criticisms during the debate?

Representatives from Rødt and SV expressed frustration over the lack of a robust debate. Sofie Marhaug of Rødt described the proceedings as the “most embarrassing” debate she has participated in, claiming the majority of the room “lacks guts” and prefers the increase to pass in silence.

Mimir Kristjansson of Rødt called the decision a “day of shame.” He contrasted the nearly 60,000 NOK increase for politicians with the simultaneous decision regarding pension adjustments for minimum pensioners earning under 300,000 NOK per year.

Kristjansson specifically criticized the Progress Party (Frp), noting his surprise that they did not speak during the debate given their typical focus on government waste.

What happens next?

The new salary rates are likely to take effect following the parliamentary vote. Depending on future budgetary discussions, opposition parties may continue to propose alternative remuneration models that decouple base pay from the frontfaget benchmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new annual salary for a member of the Stortinget?
The new annual salary is 1,272,209 NOK.

Which parties voted against the salary increase?
The parties SV, Rødt, and MdG voted against the increase.

How much is the Prime Minister’s annual salary after the raise?
The Prime Minister’s annual salary is now 2,234,978 NOK.

Do you believe political salaries should be tied to general labor market benchmarks?