When demanding a vote of confidence, the aim of the Government is to put pressure on the Storting either to obtain a majority in a matter or to prevent a proposal from the opposition from being adopted. If the Government is defeated it must resign. 

Used in matters of notable significance or political urgency

Votes of confidence are traditionally only used in matters of notable significance or political urgency. If the Government demands a vote of confidence in a matter of less importance, the most likely reason for this is that it has suffered a series of defeats in the Storting over time, and therefore wishes to draw a line.  

A vote of confidence is tabled in the following way. During the consideration of a matter in the Storting, the Prime Minister makes it clear that the Government is unable to accept the particular outcome of a vote. In such cases, it is customary for a roll call vote to be taken.  

A common cause for a change of government

Losing a vote of confidence is a relatively common cause for a change of government in Norway. In March 2000, Kjell Magne Bondevik resigned after having tabled and lost a vote of confidence relating to the construction of gas-fired power stations. Kåre Willoch’s Government stepped down in May 1986 after losing a vote of confidence that the Prime Minister had tabled in order to push through a proposal to raise the tax on petrol. 

The right to table a vote of confidence is not regulated by the Constitution, but is based on parliamentary practice. A government has never lost a vote of confidence in the Storting without accepting the consequences of this.

See also

Motions of no-confidence