The Norwegian PM dressed up as a cab driver, taking unsuspecting potential voters around the streets of the capital Oslo. Several passengers recognized him despite his taxi driver's uniform.

Stoltenberg said he wanted to find out "what people really think."

"And if there's one place where people really say what they think about most things it's in the taxi," he added.

The prime minister's passengers did not have to pay for the rides.

Stoltenberg's Labor Party is trailing the opposition Conservatives in the opinion polls. Norway's parliamentary elections are scheduled for September 9.

ng/dr (AP, dpa)