Political situation in Norway

Jens Stoltenberg becomes new Minister of Finance in Norway

Jens Stoltenberg will be the new Minister of Finance in Norway. This is confirmed by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre after information about the former NATO chief was revealed in the Norwegian media earlier in the day.

"I am deeply honored to have been asked to help my country at this critical stage," Stoltenberg said in a statement.

Stoltenberg was NATO Secretary General between 2014 and 2024. Before that, he was the country's Prime Minister for two different periods.

On Tuesday morning, Gahr Støre presented new ministers to the government. This after the government cooperation with the Center Party collapsed last week. The Prime Minister got rid of, among other things, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Finance. 

Analysis: “Stoltenback” to solve the government crisis

The fact that Jens Stoltenberg will become the new finance minister in Norway has made headlines in the country. After the government collapse, the former NATO chief and prime minister will now help the Labour Party solve the crisis they found themselves in after the government collapse last week.

“It is startling to say the least. I must admit that I was one of those who saw a Stoltenback as highly unlikely,” writes Torbjørn Røe Isaksen in an analysis on E24.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre’s plan to fight back is like something out of a movie, writes Tone Sofie Aglen in NRK. Stoltenberg’s return is not necessarily a miracle cure, but it is the party’s best hope, she believes.

“Let’s be honest. Jens Stoltenberg is the only minister who, by virtue of his person, can lift the Labour Party,” says Aglen’s analysis.

VG's Hans Petter Sjøli believes that the Labour Party can now become a frightening election machine when "Iron Man Jens Stoltenberg" is back.

"It's a comeback in the very heaviest heavyweight class," he writes and wonders if Norwegians have ever seen anything like it in politics.