Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik on Friday advised parliament that his minority government will formally step down in making room for a new coalition government formed by the centre-leftist opposition after last month's elections, DPA reported. Bondevik, 58, said he would inform King Harald later Friday about the decision. In his speech to parliament after Finance Minister Per-Christian Foss presented the outgoing government's budget proposal, Bondevik said "the September 12 elections resulted in a majority for the parties seeking a new government". Bondevik said he would therefore advise the king to approach Labour Party leader Jens Stoltenberg, 46, to form a new government. Stoltenberg's Labour Party secured a majority in coalition with the Centre Party and the Socialist Left Party, and the three parties said Thursday they have agreed on a platform for a new government. The new tripartite government was slated to take office on Monday. The outgoing centre-right coalition consisted of Bondevik's Christian Democratic Party, the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party. It ruled oil-rich Norway for the past four years mainly with the backing of the populist Progressive Party. Bondevik did not stand for a seat in the elections and after resigning has said he plans to write his memoirs and spend time with his family.
