Dictionary

general election

the election of representatives to a legislature (in Norway, to the Storting) from constituencies throughout the country.

Government

the Constitution states that the Government must consist of the prime minister and at least seven other members (cabinet ministers). The total number has varied somewhat; the current Government comprises 19 cabinet ministers in addition to the prime minister. The Government has executive power; it carries out the decisions taken in the Storting.

government agency (government body)

an administrative unit within a particular sphere, subordinate to a ministry. For example, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) and the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) are subordinate to the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion.

government crisis

describes the situation after a government has tendered its resignation and before a new government has been formed. The crisis occurs when a government no longer has the support of a majority in the Storting and parliamentary practice obliges it to step down. Such situations arise when a motion of no confidence is passed, when a vote of confidence is lost, in cases of a negative majority, and after an election defeat.

green paper (Official Norwegian Report.)

a thorough investigation into an issue or a field of responsibility prepared by a committee or commission appointed by the Government. It often forms the basis of a report or a proposition from the Government to the Storting.

H

common abbreviation for the Conservative Party of Norway (Høyre), founded in 1884.

head of faction

the Member in charge of a faction. The media often refer to the head of faction as spokesperson within the field (for example, the finance spokesman; the health spokeswoman).

hearing

meeting in which a committee gathers information about an issue – from ministries and public agencies, organizations or other affected parties. As a rule, hearings are open to the public. Committee hearing: hearing under the auspices of one of the standing committees in relation to deliberations on a particular issue. Scrutiny hearing: hearing in relation to a particular issue that is under investigation.

interim President

may be elected for a short and defined period of time. He or she acts as a temporary President and presides over sittings in the Storting.

interpellation

more extensive form of question to the Government or a cabinet minister than a question at Question Time, often concerning a major or politically important matter. Interpellations are usually debated in the Storting.

investiture

an accession or investiture vote acts as a vote of confidence in systems where parliamentarianism prevails. Investiture implies that the parliament gives the Government its expressed confidence when it takes office.