Modern European politicians and other functionaries of the state machine 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 quite understandable from the point of view of a resident of the European Union. But in this article we will talk about a really real master of political games, whose name is Jens Stoltenberg.
Birth
The future active figure in the political sphere of Norway and Europe was born on March 16, 1959. Jens Stoltenberg is the son of former Foreign Minister Thorwald Stoltenberg. The first few years (1960-1963) Jens lived in Yugoslavia, where his father worked as an ambassador. The older sister - Camila - had a very big influence on her younger brother. As a result, Jens Stoltenberg took an active part in mass demonstrations in which people opposed the war unleashed by the United States against Vietnam. In terms of education, the Norwegian graduated from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Oslo in 1987.
Political career
Since 1979, the energetic and promising Jens has been active in social activities, journalism and politics. Initiallyhe is a journalist for the rather influential newspaper Arbeiderbladet, which is considered the mouthpiece of the left-wing parties in Norway. In 1981, the young man quit journalism and devoted himself entirely to political activities, becoming the press secretary of the Workers' Party. Between 1985 and 1989, Jens Stoltenberg was 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 Gro Harlem Brundtland government team. After this position, in 1996-97, Stoltenberg is already working as Minister of Finance under the leadership of Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland.
Another key event in the life of a Norwegian can be considered his election as 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 Workers' Party in its entire history was recorded - 24%.
Due to the crisis that has formed within the party, Jens Stoltenberg (his biography can be an example for the younger generation) becomes its new head in 2002. After some time, he was able to ensure the victory of his team in the next parliamentary elections. On September 12, 2005, a coalition was formed, and a month later, Jens starts work as head of government.
2009 was also a triumphant year for the politician. He again found himself at the helm of the Cabinet of Ministers. Moreover, among his subordinates, a completegender equality: there were 10 women and 10 men ministers.
Surprising, but true: Jens once collaborated with the KGB, but then he himself broke off these contacts, telling the Norwegian police everything.
Working for NATO
The Council of the North Atlantic Alliance on March 28, 2014 determined that Stoltenberg will take over as head of the organization on October 1, 2014, after the end of the term of Anders Rasmussen. It is noteworthy that Jens was the first Norwegian who managed to get this position. By the way, his nomination was initiated by German Chancellor Merkel.
Today, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is quite active in his work. Among his most important statements, one can note his words about the threat that Russia poses by pursuing an aggressive foreign policy. The politician also pointed to the urgent need to increase the military strength of the alliance and even build up its nuclear potential. The Norwegian paid special attention to the protection of the eastern states that are members of the NATO bloc.
Private life
Jens Stoltenberg (the family also occupies the most important place in his life) is married. His wife is Ingrid Schulerud. They met at the age of seventeen, when both ran for the post of representative of the student association. At the same time, Ingrid tries to lead a non-public life in order to keep their family nest as untouchable and closed to society as possible.
The couple has two children - a son and a daughter. Also atPolitics had two sisters, one of whom, Nini, died due to drug addiction. Another sister works as a medical researcher.
