Norway’s Former NATO Secretary General to Become New Finance Minister
COPENHAGEN, Feb. 4 (Bernama-dpa) – Jens Stoltenberg, the former Secretary General of NATO, has been appointed as Norway’s new Finance Minister, according to reports from the German Press Agency (dpa). This announcement comes after the governing coalition in Norway broke up over the implementation of EU regulations for the energy market, resulting in the need for new ministerial appointments.
Background
On January 31, the Centre Party, the junior partner of the Social Democratic-led government, quit the government due to disagreements over the implementation of EU regulations for the energy market. This decision left a power vacuum, requiring the Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, to fill eight new ministerial positions previously held by Centre Party politicians.
New Ministerial Appointments
In a live broadcast on the Norwegian government’s website, Stoltenberg was introduced as the new Finance Minister, along with other new faces in the government, including Tore O Sandvik as Minister of Defence and Astri Aas-Hansen as Minister of Justice.
Stoltenberg’s Background
Stoltenberg has a rich political background, having served as Prime Minister of Norway from 2000 to 2001 and from 2005 to 2013, and as Secretary General of NATO from 2014 to 2024. As recently as autumn 2024, he had insisted that he had no intention of returning to top-level politics in his home country.
Upcoming Elections
The next Norwegian parliamentary election is scheduled for September, but the Norwegian constitution does not provide for early elections. This means that Stoltenberg’s new role as Finance Minister will likely be a temporary one, pending the outcome of the upcoming election.
Conclusion
Jens Stoltenberg’s appointment as Norway’s new Finance Minister marks a significant development in the country’s political landscape. As a seasoned politician with a wealth of experience, Stoltenberg is well-equipped to navigate the challenges facing Norway’s economy and government.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the reason behind Stoltenberg’s appointment as Finance Minister?
A: The governing coalition in Norway broke up over the implementation of EU regulations for the energy market, resulting in the need for new ministerial appointments.
Q: What is Stoltenberg’s background?
A: Stoltenberg has served as Prime Minister of Norway from 2000 to 2001 and from 2005 to 2013, and as Secretary General of NATO from 2014 to 2024.
Q: What is the next step for Stoltenberg as Finance Minister?
A: Stoltenberg’s appointment as Finance Minister is expected to be a temporary one, pending the outcome of the upcoming parliamentary election in September.