Jens Stoltenberg Appointed Norway's Finance Minister Following Government Split

The former NATO chief steps into a key role as Norway's Labour Party governs alone after coalition collapse.

Jens Stoltenberg, former NATO Secretary-General and two-time Norwegian Prime Minister, has been named Norway's finance minister in a cabinet reshuffle.
The appointment follows the Centre Party's exit from the governing coalition over disagreements on EU energy directives, leaving the Labour Party as a minority government.
Stoltenberg, an economist by training, previously served as Norway's finance minister in the 1990s and is seen as a stabilizing figure ahead of upcoming elections in September.
His return to domestic politics temporarily delays his planned role as chair of the Munich Security Conference, a prominent global security forum.
Stoltenberg's experience with transatlantic relations, including his rapport with former U.S. President Donald Trump, is viewed as valuable as Norway faces potential trade tensions between the U.S. and Europe.