Trondheim’s governing coalition is on the brink of collapse following a surprise move by the Conservative Party to withdraw support for a key traffic plan aimed at reducing congestion and emissions in the city center. The dispute, which centers on a proposal to restrict vehicle access, has triggered an emergency response from the green Party, potentially leading to the unraveling of the city’s current administration. Negotiations are ongoing, but trust between coalition partners is reportedly fractured as a critical city council vote looms later this month.
A governing coalition in Trondheim, Norway, is facing a potential collapse after the Conservative Party withdrew its support for a new traffic plan on Tuesday.
The move threatens the city’s ambitious climate goals and has prompted the Green Party to consider leaving the ruling coalition. The dispute centers on a proposal to restrict vehicle access to the city center, requiring drivers to exit the same way they enter.
Ultimatum Issued
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Speculation has mounted that the Conservative Party’s reversal could trigger the downfall of the entire Trondheim city government.
The Green Party held an emergency meeting Tuesday evening to assess its options. Following the meeting, party leaders expressed hope that the Conservatives would reconsider, but also signaled a firm stance.
“MDG goes out of the city council and the Center-Right collaboration if we do not get through the transport plan, which includes a sectorized solution,” said Tore Dyrendahl, group leader for the Green Party, according to NRK.
Dyrendahl indicated that an upcoming city council vote on the traffic plan later this month will be decisive, though he hopes a resolution can be reached before then.
“We have a planned meeting with the Conservatives tomorrow, so we hope we can talk this out then.”
A Complete Reversal
Dyrendahl dismissed the Conservatives’ stated reasons for opposing the plan, claiming they were based on inaccurate information.
“They justify it by saying that the Socialist Left and the Red Party have said that the parking garage is an ultimatum, which the Socialist Left and the Red Party have refuted afterwards. We do not perceive it as an ultimatum either,” he said.
“But at the same time, they say they do not want a sectorized solution. Then it seems that the Conservatives have turned 180 degrees around on something they actually agreed on, which we have anchored for several months before the city council submitted its recommendation. So I think the Conservatives need to figure out what they want with this collaboration.”
A Critical Issue
“The trust we had during the negotiations, we do not feel is there anymore.”
“The transport plan is important to us. It’s about zero-emission goals and the climate area. It’s about reducing the enormous traffic congestion. There are so many good measures in this case that make it so important to us and decisive for how the road ahead for the city council will be.”
Dyrendahl admitted he wasn’t entirely surprised by the Conservative Party’s shift.
“Not very. Although it has been quiet in the media until now, we have perceived the dissatisfaction. So we are not surprised, unfortunately.”
Room for Negotiation?
“What do you think the chances are that the Conservatives will now back down on this?”
“I’m not a fortune teller, so I don’t think I should guess how the future will turn out. We have set some important boundaries for ourselves, and we would like to have a dialogue with the Conservatives.”
He declined to speculate on the potential consequences of a broken coalition or the possibility of seeking partnerships with other parties.
“No, then there are many possibilities, and it is too early to say anything about exactly how things will turn out. So we’ll take it from there.”
City council leader Kjetil Reinskou could not be reached for comment Tuesday evening.
Published
06.01.2026, kl. 22.12
Updated
06.01.2026, kl. 23.15
