Tromsø, Norway – A vote of no confidence against Socialist Left Party (SV) leader Kirsti Bergstø was defeated at the Troms SV county meeting on Sunday, February 21, 2026, averting a potential crisis for the Norwegian left-wing party. The motion, brought forward by the Tjeldsund SV local chapter, failed with 10 votes in favor and 29 against, according to reporting by VG. The outcome signals continued, though not unanimous, support for Bergstø’s leadership as the party navigates a challenging political landscape.
The attempt to oust Bergstø comes after a period of internal criticism following the SV’s performance in the recent elections. The party has faced scrutiny over its policy positions and strategic direction, particularly in the wake of the 2025 parliamentary elections. The vote in Troms represents a significant test of Bergstø’s authority within the party, and the result will likely be closely watched by political observers across Norway. The debate surrounding the motion highlighted deep divisions within the SV regarding the best path forward for the party, and the extent to which the leadership is aligned with the concerns of local chapters.
Astrid Løkholm Båtnes, the deputy leader of Troms SV, stated that the vote demonstrates a broad commitment to unity within the party. “The result shows a broad support for standing together in the further perform,” Båtnes told VG, while also acknowledging that the discussion was thorough and addressed a difficult topic. However, the fact that a significant minority within the county chapter felt compelled to propose a vote of no confidence underscores the underlying tensions within the SV.
Origins of the Dispute: Frustration in Tjeldsund
The push for a vote of no confidence originated with the Tjeldsund SV local chapter, led by Odd-Are Hansen, who also serves as the mayor of Tjeldsund municipality. Hansen has been vocal in his criticism of Bergstø’s leadership, alleging a lack of connection with the party’s grassroots and a disconnect from the concerns of ordinary members. According to reporting by Dagsavisen, Hansen described Bergstø as “sint, arrogant og belærende” – angry, arrogant, and lecturing – in his assessment of her leadership style. The Tjeldsund chapter’s frustration stems from what they perceive as a top-down approach to decision-making and a failure to adequately consider the views of local representatives.
Hansen specifically cited the party’s stance on the Government Pension Fund Global, often referred to as the Oil Fund, during the election campaign as a key point of contention. He argued that the party’s ultimatum regarding the fund was “uklokt” – unwise – and demonstrated a lack of political pragmatism. This issue resonated with many voters, according to Hansen, and contributed to the party’s disappointing electoral results. The Oil Fund, valued at over 15 trillion Norwegian kroner as of January 2026, is a significant source of national wealth and a frequent topic of political debate in Norway. Norges Bank, the central bank of Norway, manages the fund.
The discontent within the Tjeldsund chapter extends beyond policy disagreements. Hansen also reported that many members have become disillusioned and disengaged, with some even choosing to leave the party altogether. This loss of enthusiasm, he argued, is a direct consequence of the perceived failings of the current leadership. The chapter’s decision to initiate a vote of no confidence was, according to Hansen, a last resort to express their frustration and demand change.
National Context: SV’s Challenges and Bergstø’s Leadership
Kirsti Bergstø assumed the leadership of the Socialist Left Party in 2023, succeeding Audun Lysbakken. She was re-elected unanimously as party leader at the SV national convention in 2025. However, her tenure has been marked by challenges, including declining poll numbers and internal disagreements over strategy. The SV currently holds 11 seats in the Norwegian Parliament, the Storting. The party traditionally advocates for policies focused on social justice, environmental protection, and economic equality.
The recent election results were particularly disappointing for the SV, as the party struggled to gain traction with voters. The party’s support base has been eroded by competition from other left-leaning parties, as well as by concerns about the economy and immigration. Bergstø has faced criticism for her handling of these issues and for her perceived inability to connect with voters outside of the party’s traditional base. The party’s position on energy policy, particularly regarding oil and gas exploration, has also been a source of internal debate.
Despite the challenges, Bergstø has defended her leadership and argued that the SV remains a vital force in Norwegian politics. She has emphasized the importance of staying true to the party’s core values and of advocating for policies that benefit working families and protect the environment. The SV’s communications chief, Espen Løkeland-Stai, stated that the leadership would not comment on the vote of no confidence until after it was debated at the county meeting. This stance reflects a desire to avoid escalating the conflict and to allow the internal democratic process to unfold.
Support for Bergstø Remains, But Divisions Persist
While the vote of no confidence was ultimately defeated, the fact that it was proposed at all highlights the significant divisions within the SV. Astrid Løkholm Båtnes, the deputy leader of Troms SV, expressed her personal confidence in Bergstø’s leadership, describing her as a “stødig leiar” – steady leader. However, she also acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns raised by the Tjeldsund chapter and the need for open dialogue within the party.
The outcome of the vote in Troms is likely to have implications for the SV’s national strategy going forward. Bergstø will need to address the concerns of the party’s grassroots and work to rebuild trust with local chapters. The party will also need to develop a clear and compelling message that resonates with voters and addresses the challenges facing Norway. The next major test for the SV will be the upcoming parliamentary session, where the party will have an opportunity to influence policy debates and demonstrate its relevance to the country.
The defeat of the motion of no confidence provides a temporary reprieve for Kirsti Bergstø, but the underlying issues that fueled the challenge remain unresolved. The SV faces a critical period of self-reflection and strategic realignment as it seeks to regain its footing in Norwegian politics. The party’s ability to bridge internal divisions and reconnect with voters will be crucial to its future success.
Next Steps: The SV will hold its next national convention in October 2026, where the party will review its strategy and elect new leaders. The outcome of that convention will be a key indicator of the party’s future direction. Readers interested in following the SV’s developments can find updates on the party’s official website: https://sv.no/. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this story in the comments section below.
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