Ex-NATO chief Stoltenberg becomes Norway's finance minister

On February 4, former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg became Norway's new finance minister as part of a cabinet reshuffle, taking up the post as the Nordic country eyes the impact of a potential transatlantic trade war.

Appointing the widely popular and well respected Stoltenberg could give the struggling Labour government a boost in opinion polls ahead of September's parliamentary elections, Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media outlets.

The veteran politician was prime minister of Norway in 2000-2001 and 2005-2013. He headed the Western military alliance for a decade, including during U.S. President Donald Trump's first term, stepping down last year.

His appointment brings an experienced negotiator and diplomat to Norway's cabinet at a time of global trade tensions.

"This team is ready to lead Norway in demanding times," Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere told reporters outside the Royal Palace after the new cabinet met King Harald.

"We will deliver policies that mean something in people's everyday lives and (we) are aware of the instability in the world which Norway, as a small country, is affected by."

Notably, Jens Stoltenberg served as NATO Secretary General from October 2014 to October 2024, a period marked by significant challenges and transformations for the alliance. His tenure encompassed events such as Russia's annexation of Crimea, the rise and fall of ISIS, the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Under his leadership, NATO enhanced its military preparedness, expanded its membership, and adapted to new security threats.

By Khagan Isayev