Modern European politicians and other state machine functionaries are characterized by high professionalism. Their vigorous activity is sometimes accompanied by actions and words that are not entirely clear to a Slavic person, but which are quite understandable from the point of view of a resident of the European Union. But this article will talk about a truly real master of political games, whose name is Jens Stoltenberg.
Birth
The future political activist in Norway and Europe was born on March 16, 1959. Jens Stoltenberg is the son of former Foreign Minister Turvald Stoltenberg. For the first few years (1960-1963), Jens lived in Yugoslavia, where his father worked as ambassador. The older sister, Camila, had a very big influence on her younger brother. As a result of this, Jens Stoltenberg took an active part in mass demonstrations in which people opposed the war unleashed by the United States against Vietnam. Regarding education, the Norwegian graduated from the Department of Economics at the University of Oslo in 1987.
Career in politics
Since 1979, the energetic and promising Jens has been active in social activities, journalism and politics. Initially, he is a journalist of the rather influential newspaper Arbeiderbladet, which is considered the mouthpiece of the left-wing parties in Norway. In 1981, the young man quits journalism and devotes himself completely to political activity, becoming the press secretary of the Workers' Party. In the period 1985-1989, Jens Stoltenberg was the head of the youth wing of the Norwegian Workers Party.
The politician made an impressive career breakthrough in 1993, taking the post of Minister of Trade and Energy in the government team of Gro Harlem Brundtland. After this post in 1996-97, Stoltenberg was already working as the Minister of Finance under the leadership of the Cabinet Minister Thorbjørn Jagland.
Another key event in the life of the Norwegian can be considered the election of his prime minister in March 2000. Unfortunately, this composition of the government lasted only about a year, and already in September 2001 the worst election result for the Norwegian Labor Party in its entire history was recorded - 24%.
Due to the crisis that has developed within the party, Jens Stoltenberg (his biography can be an example for the younger generation) becomes its new chapter in 2002. After some time, he was able to ensure the victory of his team in the next parliamentary election. A coalition was formed on September 12, 2005, and a month later, Jens, as head of government, begins work.
The year 2009 was also a triumph for the politician. He was again at the helm of the cabinet. Moreover, among his subordinates there was complete gender equality: there were 10 women and 10 men at ministerial posts.
Surprisingly, it is a fact: Jens once collaborated with the KGB, but then he himself severed these contacts, telling all the Norwegian police.
Jobs at NATO
The Alliance Council on March 28, 2014 determined that Stoltenberg would take over as head of the organization on October 1, 2014, after the term of office of Anders Rasmussen. It is noteworthy that Jens was the first Norwegian who managed to get to this position. By the way, his nomination was initiated by German Chancellor Merkel.
To date, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg quite active in his work. Of his most important statements, his words about the threat posed by Russia pursuing an aggressive foreign policy can be noted. The politician also pointed out the urgent need to increase the military strength of the alliance and even build nuclear capacity. The Norwegian paid special attention to the defense of the eastern states that are part of the NATO bloc.
Personal life
Jens Stoltenberg (the family also occupies a crucial place in his life) is married. His wife is Ingrid Shulerud. They met at the age of seventeen, when both ran for the post of representative of the student association. At the same time, Ingrid is trying to lead a non-public life in order to keep their family nest as untouchable and closed to society as possible.
The couple brings up two children - a son and a daughter. The politician also had two sisters, one of whom, Nini, died due to drug addiction. Another sister works as a medical researcher.