King Harald opens 158th Storting

The king (center) with the queen (left) and crown prince (right) during
the opening of the Storting. Image: NTB scanpix/RoyalCourt.no

King Harald V officially opened the 158th Norwegian Storting (parliament) Wednesday, emphasizing the government's plan for the coming year. The the largely ceremonial  event was filled with pomp and tradition, where attendees wearing "fancy dress and uniforms," reports NewsinEnglish.no. The opening of the Storting is one of the most anticipated events in Norway, as the highest and most powerful officials in Norway converge together--from members of the royal family, parliament and judiciary to the officers of the armed forcers and civil servants. While the king's outline of plans were specific, they might not be implemented however, since the present government is set to be replaced by the Conservatives, led by Erna Solberg.