The latest Berggruen Governance Index (BGI) highlights Norway’s unique success in turning natural resource wealth into democratic strength, economic stability, and broad social welfare. Despite heading into the September 8, 2025 parliamentary elections amid fierce debates over wealth taxation and sovereign fund investments, Norway continues to stand out as an exception to the “resource curse.” The report shows that democratic accountability has remained remarkably high, while state capacity and public goods provision have been sustained at world-leading levels, though fiscal capacity has recently weakened. Rising inequality and declining trust in institutions present emerging risks, reflecting growing social fractures beneath Norway’s otherwise enviable position. As Norwegians head to the polls, the challenge will be balancing prosperity and social solidarity to preserve the country’s hard-won democratic and economic achievements