After a decade leading NATO, Jens Stoltenberg is making a surprising return to Norwegian politics as finance minister, stepping into the role during a period of economic uncertainty and political turmoil.
“I am deeply honoured to have been asked to help my country at this critical stage,” said Stoltenberg, who previously served as Norway’s prime minister for nine years before taking the NATO post.
His appointment follows last week’s collapse of the ruling coalition government, triggered by a dispute over EU energy policies. The eurosceptic Centre Party withdrew its ministers after clashing with the Labour Party over whether Norway should prioritize domestic electricity needs or continue exporting power to the EU to meet its obligations.
Stoltenberg will replace outgoing Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum in a cabinet reshuffle, as the Labour Party now governs alone just eight months before national elections. His leadership will also be tested by growing concerns over a potential transatlantic trade war, with Norway at risk of tariffs from both Brussels and Washington if former US President Donald Trump follows through on his trade threats.
