A wave of political change is sweeping through Norway as numerous long-serving Members of Parliament (MPs) have decided not to seek re-election this fall. With reasons ranging from

retirement and party shakeups to personal career changes, several familiar figures are stepping away from national politics.

Carl I Hagen bows out after four decades

Carl I Hagen, the 81-year-old former leader of the Progress Party (FrP), holds the record for longevity among the departing MPs. With 36 years in Parliament across nine terms, Hagen’s political career has spanned generations. After a brief retirement, he returned in 2021 representing the former Oppland county but has now confirmed he will not run again, clearing the path for younger party members. Another FrP veteran, Christian Tybring-Gjedde, is also stepping down after 20 years, having served independently since being excluded from the party.

Labour veterans exit amid scandal and career shifts

While the Labour Party continues to lead national polls and seeks to maintain government power, several of its prominent MPs are leaving Parliament. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide will not return to Parliament but remains a potential ministerial candidate if Labour retains power.

Other Labour MPs stepping down include Eva Kristin Hansen, who was involved in an expense scandal, and former ministers Hadia Tajik, Anette Trettebergstuen, Ingvild Kjerkol, and Anniken Huitfeldt. Huitfeldt has since taken on the role of Norway’s ambassador to the U.S. Marte Mjøs Persen of Bergen and long-time MP Rigmor Aasrud are also retiring.

Center party figures depart for private life

Marit Arnstad and Per Olaf Lundteigen, two of the Center Party’s most enduring politicians, are leaving after decades of service. Ola Borten Moe, a former minister, will now focus on his agricultural and oil-related ventures.

Christian Democrats reshuffle after internal tensions

The Christian Democrats (KrF) are undergoing significant turnover following internal disputes. Former party leader Olaug Bollestad, her successor Dag-Inge Ulstein, and veteran Kjell Ingolf Ropstad are all stepping away from Parliament. Ulstein will remain as party leader but chose not to run again, signaling a shift to a younger generation within the party.

Left-Wing parties see major changes

Nearly half of the Socialist Left Party (SV)’s parliamentary group will be replaced, with high-profile members Audun Lysbakken, Kari Elisabeth Kaski, Torgeir Knag Fylkenes, and Freddy André Øvstegård all leaving. The party has faced internal debate and leadership changes that have prompted the turnover.

The Greens Party is also seeing notable departures. Rasmus Hansson is retiring, and Lan Marie Berg—often in the media spotlight—will pursue other interests outside of Parliament.

Conservatives and Liberals adjust their lineups

The Conservative Party is also set for changes, with long-time MP Jan Tore Sanner becoming county governor of Akershus. Tina Bru, Sveinung Stensland, and Linda Hofstad Helleland are among others stepping down, creating room for a younger generation.

The Liberal Party, in contrast, will mostly retain its current MPs. Only Ola Elvestuen and André Nikolai Sjelstad are not seeking re-election.

Reds Party stands steady

The Reds Party remains unchanged for now, keeping its current slate of eight MPs and hoping to increase its presence in Parliament following the upcoming election.

As Norway heads into the fall election, voters will face one of the largest shifts in parliamentary representation in recent memory—with a notable generational transition underway across nearly every major party. Photo by Guy Delsaut, Wikimedia commons.