Parliamentarism in Norwegian Regions

Project summary

The project investigates whether the change from the alderman model to parliamentary rule in Norwegian counties affects decision- making style, steering capacity, accountability and democracy. We also ask how the legitimacy of the political system is affected. Our findings indicate a more majoritarian style of decision making. Influence is concentrated within the political majority, and particularly in the executive. Improved accountability is reported, but the factors behind this increase are difficult to determine. Regarding democracy and legitimacy, we could not measure any external effects of the reform. The politicians in opposition show a high degree of frustration, caused both by internal factors in the organisation of county politics and in constraints on county politics imposed at national level. In the long run this may lead to decreased legitimacy for the political system.

Method

Comparative survey, case regions and control regions