Dominated by Jens Stoltenberg and the Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet), leaders for the Socialist Left (SV) and Center Party (SP) insist they'll have their say and hammer through their politicical demands as well. In the end, it will all be about compromise, but Labour got the votes to seemingly allow it the most influence.

Negotiations are expected to go on from 10am until 4pm every day, probably for the next two weeks. Each of the three parties has three negotiaters plus someone taking notes.

The issues are tough. While there already is broad agreement on several topics, the parties are sharply divided over several aspects of foreign policy, drilling for oil and gas in the Barents Sea and such things as how to control predators such as wolves while conserving the species.

They'll also need to agree on who will be appointed to the various ministerial positions available, and which parties will get "their" people in which areas. The only spot that seems assured is Stoltenberg as prime minister.

The talks were to get off to a comfortable start on Monday, with a gourmet dinner meant to spark inspiration. The party leaders will dine on scallops with a creamy lobster sauce, followed by reindeer filet, warm goat cheese and a cloudberry parfait, with each course accompanied by a specially chosen wine.

"We'll have a dinner where we can think along the long lines, visions, ideas," Stoltenberg told newspaper Aftenposten. "I think it's wise to draw up the big canvas first. Normal working days and details will come up soon enough."