OSLO, Norway — Jens Stoltenberg, the former Secretary-General of NATO, has rejoined the Norwegian government as the Finance Minister as of Tuesday, just months before the upcoming national elections.
Stoltenberg, who led NATO starting in 2014, concluded his term when he passed the mantle to current Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the beginning of October. Before his NATO career, he was the Prime Minister of Norway, serving two non-consecutive terms from 2000 to 2001 and again from 2005 to 2013.
Due to the ongoing crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Stoltenberg’s tenure at NATO was extended multiple times, which ultimately delayed his anticipated role as the head of Norway’s central bank.
The 65-year-old’s return to government comes on the heels of a split within the current governing coalition, with the junior partner, the Center Party, announcing its exit over disagreements regarding European Union energy market regulations.
This unexpected departure has left Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who leads Stoltenberg’s center-left Labor Party, needing to fill several Cabinet positions, including that of the outgoing Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, the former leader of the Center Party.
In remarks reported by Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Gahr Støre expressed his confidence in Stoltenberg, noting, “He has done most things in Norwegian and international politics, and for me, he is also a good friend.”
Stoltenberg shared in a statement issued by the Munich Security Conference in Germany that he felt “deeply honored” to be asked to assist his country at this pivotal time.
“After careful consideration of the challenges we currently face, I have decided to accept Prime Minister Støre’s request to serve as Finance Minister,” he stated. He also mentioned his intention to return to the Munich Security Conference and other responsibilities following the conclusion of his government service.
This isn’t Stoltenberg’s first experience in a finance role; he previously served as Norway’s finance minister from 1996 to 1997.
The parliamentary elections in Norway are set for September 8, with the Labor Party facing tough competition in recent polls.