Introduction
The Norwegian Process Party is a populist party, the third-largest political party in the country, and a very significant political force in Norway. It was founded in 1973, and, despite some intra-party disagreements regarding certain aspects, it remains committed to right-wing values (Skogerbø & Kristensen). The key features of the policy of The Norwegian Process Party are the support of national conservatism and economic nationalism and recurring anti-immigrant and anti-Islam sentiments.
Features of Party Policy
The economic nationalism of The Norwegian Process Party is to support Norwegian business and production, protect them from foreign competition, and strive for an efficient economy within the state (Gulbrandsen, 2018). The party also sees the proceeds from selling Norwegian oil as a primary means to improve the population’s lives rather than a long-term investment (Ćetković & Hagemann, 2020). In addition, party representatives oppose free trade and tax cuts for citizens.
The preservation of jobs in the country for Norwegian workers is proposed to be realized by reducing the number of migrants. This idea is a means to maintain the domestic economy and the population’s welfare and is an example of the party’s anti-immigrant policy (Nikel et al., 2021). In addition to reducing employment opportunities for migrants, the party also proposes to tighten border crossings and rules for accepting refugees (Cools et al., 2021). According to representatives of The Norwegian Process Party, attracting many migrants to the country reduces the standard of living of citizens (Abbas, 2011). Moreover, it requires the expenditure of additional economic resources that could be spent on improving the internal processes of the state.
The party’s anti-Islam stance manifests itself, firstly, in criticizing the main attributes of Islam as a religion and opposing their spread in Norway (Nina, 2022). Party representatives actively oppose the construction of mosques in the country and have also initiated a ban on wearing burkas and niqabs in schools and universities (The Local, 2018). Anti-Islamic sentiment also manifests itself in the form of support for Israel and its position during the Gaza War and the assertion of Israel’s right to defend itself with weapons from Islamic organizations.
Conclusion
Given the direction of political activity, the Norwegian Process Party can be regarded as a truly right-wing populist party. Party officials prioritize support for the national economy and citizens, coupled with opposition to foreign intervention and emigrants and refugees. The Norwegian Process Party has been and remains an active political force in this country, also thanks to a clear and unchanging position on some critical issues.
References
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Cools, S., Finseraas, H., & Rogeberg, O. (2021). Local immigration and support for anti‐immigration parties: A meta‐analysis. American Journal of Political Science, 65(4), 988–1006. Web.
Gulbrandsen, T. (2018). Elite support for the Norwegian version of the Nordic Welfare State Model. Elites in an Egalitarian Society, 101–136. Web.
The Local. (2018). Norway bans burqa and niqab in schools. The Local Norway. Web.
Nikel, D., Vitaly, Hameed, A., Anonymous, Karlsen, M., E, P., & Alejandro. (2021). Norway tightens requirements for permanent residence. Life in Norway. Web.
Nina. (2022). Ukrainian refugees unusually welcome. Norway’s News in English – www.newsinenglish.no. Web.
Skogerbø, E., Ihlen, Ø.& Kristensen, ete N. (2021). Media and politics in Norway. In Skogerbø, E., Ihlen, Ø., Kristensen, ete N., & Nord, L. Power, communication, and politics in the Nordic countries (pp.91-111). Nordicom
Ćetković, S., & Hagemann, C. (2020). Changing climate for Populists? Examining the influence of radical-right political parties on low-carbon energy transitions in Western Europe. Energy Research & Social Science, 66, 101571. Web.