Norway's Centre Party threatens right-wing shift over fuel tax cuts

Norway's Centre Party has called for crisis talks with its left-wing budget partners to extend fuel tax cuts, threatening to seek support from the right-wing opposition if no agreement is reached before September 1st. Parliamentary deputy leader Geir Pollestad wants discussions with the Labour Party, SV, Reds, and MDG, citing uncertainty over Middle East tensions and fuel prices. He warned that if no deal is made, the party will align with the Conservatives, Progress Party, and Christian Democrats. The right-wing parties have signaled readiness to act, with Progress Party leader Sylvi Listhaug proposing an emergency parliamentary session. Conservative finance spokesperson Nikolai Astrup criticized the Centre Party's stance, warning that breaking the budget agreement again would create chaos and undermine Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre's authority.