Former NATO Chief Stoltenberg to Become Norway's Finance Minister

Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has agreed to head the Ministry of Finance in the new Norwegian government, the Munich Security Conference website reports.  

‘I am honoured by this request to help my country at an important time. After carefully considering the challenges we face, I have decided to accept Prime Minister Støre's offer to serve as Minister of Finance,’ he said.  

Stoltenberg stressed that he is not abandoning his previously agreed role as chairman of the Munich Security Conference and ‘other commitments’ and will return to them after completing his work in the government.  

‘I am grateful for the decision to temporarily relieve me of my duties while I serve my country once again. I will remain involved in the Munich Security Conference and its many activities to the extent that my new position allows,’ he said.  

Stoltenberg's appointment comes as part of a reshuffle in the Norwegian government following the breakdown of the coalition between Labour and the Centre Party. Previously, the post of Minister of Finance was held by the leader of the Centre Party, Trygve Sahlgsvold Vedum.  

Eight ministers, including the Minister of Defence, resigned from the government due to the Centre's withdrawal. Their positions were taken by representatives of the Labour Party. Thus, for the first time in 25 years, the Norwegian government will be formed exclusively from representatives of one political force. The last time a similar situation occurred was in 2000-2001, when the first government was headed by Stoltenberg himself.  

Jens Stoltenberg was first appointed to the Norwegian government in 1993 and became Prime Minister in 2000. He became best known during his second term as head of government in 2005-2013. Prior to leading NATO, Stoltenberg was for a time leader of the Labour Party, handing over the role to Jonas Gahr Støre.