Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg has today, Friday, announced changes in the Government. Justice Minister Knut Storberget (photo) steps down. He is succeeded by Grete Faremo, the present Defence Minister. (With updates)
She will in turn be succeeded by State Secretary Espen Barth Eide.
Faremo was also justice minister in Gro Harlem Brundtland's Labour government from 1992 till 1996.
The Prime Minister's Office says that in order to ensure Norway’s preparedness to handle challenges caused by risks and threats, the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice and the Police for security and preparedness will be clarified and strengthened.
The Ministry’s role in overseeing that other ministries and public offices are aware of and following up their preparedness responsibility, will also be enhanced. Furthermore, the Ministry’s internal organisation will be examined in order to improve the Ministry’s ability to handle crises. The Ministry will be given additional resources.
In order to visualise these changes, it has been decided that the Ministry of Justice and the Police from 1 January 2012 will have its name changed to the Ministry of Justice and Emergency Preparedness.
The assistance of the Norwegian Armed Forces to the civil society will be a central topic in the coming Armed Forces long-term plan and the coming parliamentary white paper on security. The two new ministers will cooperate closely in this.
Mr. Espen Barth Eide comes from a post as state secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has previously been state secretary in the Ministry of Defence.
NRK political commentator Magnus Takvam says the reason is that Storberget has wanted to step down for some time, for familly reasons. Takvam says it is a very top job to stay on as Justice Minister for six and a half years, the longest serving Minister of Justice in Norway.
Takvam also points to the fact that Storberget was also off on sick leave for a long period.
Prime Minister Stoltenberg says Storberget had wanted to step down following the municipal elections in September, but decided to stay on because of the terrorist attacks.
(NRK)
The Progress Party (FrP) held their National Congress this weekend, and discussed the party's main positions before this fall's election. They want to redefine "the Norwegian model". ..
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has presented its views on the Norwegian economy and Norwegian economic policy, and concludes that the Norwegian economy continues to perform well.(Photo: Finance Minister Sigbjørn Johnsen)..
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide is visiting Ethiopia, where he is attending Saturday's African Summit in Addis Ababa, marking the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) 50 years ago...
The Auditor general issues strong criticism towards Minister of Education Kristin Halvorsen and her work within the education sector.
..
Tore Sanner from the Conservative Party (Høyre) questions the Prime Minister's tax reform. Who will pay more tax if some will pay less, asks Sanner.
..
50 percent of people under 30 did not vote at the election in 2009. Several newspapers now come together to help mobilize young voters.
..
The tax rates will be cut, says Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. He is not pleased with the way the tax system that he has been running for almost eight consecutive years.
..
Severe forms of terror can be punished with up to 30 years in prison when the government implements the coming changes to the current criminal law.
..
In presenting the revision of the 2013 Fiscal Budget, Finance Minister Sigbjørn Johnsen said the Government proposes a slight strengthening of the budget balance compared to the approved 2013 budget...
Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg has announced that the Norwegian Government proposes tax changes from 2014 to strengthen competitiveness and profitability, and stimulate investments in the mainland economy...
The largest party according to the latest polls, the Conservative Party (Høyre) held their annual National Congress in Oslo this past weekend. Here are some of the assembly's key issues:
..
Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide has announced that the Government is increasing Norway's assistance to Syrian refugees by NOK 100 million...
Norway is to provide NOK 30 million in support for the Inter-American Development Bank’s efforts to promote transparency and combat corruption. ..
