It was election day in Norway on Monday, a Norwegian right likened to selecting one’s favorite apple from the spectrum of apple varieties. It’s a far cry from the “apples and oranges” polarization pickle that other nations find themselves caught in these days, and by all accounts, Norway’s 5.328 million inhabitants are happier for it – at least according to the World Happiness Index.

The red apples were the fan favorites this year, with Norway’s Labor Party, Arbeiderpartiet, taking the top spot. The triumphant party will now commence talks with their more like-minded political peers on how their coalition government will pan out. It’s a process of collaboration and compromise, which are perhaps the defining characteristics of any Norwegian regime, no matter how red or blue. 

Norwegian public affairs expert Erlend Bollman Bjørtvedt, founder of the country risk mitigation company Corisk, sheds some light on how Norway exercises its impact and what the awaiting administration may influence next.