Deep cracks threaten the Norwegian minority government. At the bottom lies a different view on whether the country should adopt the EU's fourth energy package, a question that the Centre Party (Sp) has said it is willing to leave the government for.
Jonas Gahr Støre does not want to see that.
I believe it is best if the Centre Party stays in the government, he says about the coalition partner.
The Labour Party (Ap) wants to adopt three directives from the EU's energy package, while the Centre Party says a flat no.
On Thursday, the contradictions were put to the test, both parties called internal meetings and no one wanted to give in.
The Centre Party's group leader in the Storting, Marit Arnstad, then told NRK:
I do not trust the Labour Party on this issue.
The day after, the Prime Minister did his best to pour oil on the waves. Delayed due to bad weather, he apologized to the Norwegians for disturbing their Friday lunch before assuring them that the government had not fallen.
The discussions will continue, he said, in a good working spirit.
This government has a habit of working thoroughly and finding solutions. When it's tough, we take our time. This has gotten big headlines, but we're working on a solution, he said.
The energy package dispute is about the adoption of the EU's 2019 package with the title "Renewable energy for all" and includes, among other things, new rules for renewable energy.
The Labour Party wants to introduce directives on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and goals for energy-saving buildings, which the party has support for in the Storting.
The next election to the Storting is to be held in September.
