Conservatives gain power in Norwegian elections

Norway has swung to the right in its general elections. According to an early vote count, the opposition Conservative Party led by economist Kaare Willoch has won nearly one third of the ballots, its highest share of the polls since 1921. The election ousts Norway's first woman prime minister, Gro Harlem Brundtland, leader of the Labor Party.

Mr. Willoch believes in cutting taxes, curbing bureaucracy, and supporting NATO. According to political observers, he is equally committed to full employment and the welfare state supported by the Labor Party.

He will form a majority coalition government with the small Center (Agrarian) and Christian People's parties.