Norwegian Prime Minister Mr Jens Stoltenberg of the Labour Party has announced his resignation, paving the way for a tax-cutting centre-right coalition government to take office later this week.
Mr Stoltenberg, who oversaw Labour’s worst general election result in 90 years last month, told parliament he was formally telling the King of his resignation.
He was expected to stay on until Friday to leave time for an incoming coalition between the Conservative Party, the Christian People's Party (CPP) and the Liberals to organise a new government.
The minority coalition, to be headed by the CPP's Mr Kjell Magne Bondevik - returning to the post he left in March 2000 - has promised to cut taxes by 25 billion crowns (€3.12 billion) over four years, to rationalise state ownership and boost privatisation.
The alliance has just 62 of 165 seats in parliament and needs support from the far-right Progress Party's 26 seats to form the majority necessary to pass legislation. Progress announced its backing late yesterday.