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Former NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg Set To Become Norway’s Finance Minister

Former NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg is set to become Norway’s finance minister amid a government reshuffle.

Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is expected to be appointed as Norway’s new finance minister on Tuesday as part of a cabinet reshuffle, according to reports from broadcaster NRK and Norwegian newspapers citing anonymous sources.

Stoltenberg, a Labour Party veteran, previously served as Norway’s prime minister from 2000 to 2001 and 2005 to 2013. An economist by training, he also held the position of finance minister from 1996 to 1997. Known for his pragmatic centrist approach, the 65-year-old has a long history in both national and international politics. During his decade as NATO’s chief, he was credited with persuading former US President Donald Trump to remain in the alliance, earning him the nickname “Trump-whisperer.”

His return to domestic politics comes at a critical time, following the Norwegian Centre Party’s recent departure from the government due to disagreements over European Union energy policies. This exit has left the Labour Party governing alone just eight months before the next election.

During his first tenure as prime minister, Stoltenberg introduced Norway’s sovereign wealth fund spending rule, which originally capped government spending at 4% of the fund’s total value. As the fund grew, this limit was later reduced to 3%. His return to the finance ministry is expected to reinforce Norway’s long-standing approach to economic management.

Melissa Enoch

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