Oslo: Norway’s former NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has stepped firmly back into the domestic political arena, lending his stature and voice to the Labour Party’s re-election campaign. His re-emergence has invigorated Labour’s prospects ahead of September’s general election, even as the party braces for a hard-fought contest.
At 66, Stoltenberg is no stranger to the demands of leadership. Having spent a decade as NATO’s secretary general, he returned earlier this year to serve as Norway’s finance minister. His appointment brought an immediate surge in voter confidence for Labour, narrowing the gap with rivals and restoring a sense of stability to the party’s campaign. Analysts note that his international reputation, coupled with long experience as a former prime minister, has given Labour a much-needed boost.
Far from retreating into the bureaucratic confines of the finance ministry, Stoltenberg has embraced the campaign trail with enthusiasm. At universities and town halls, he has spoken with students and citizens about Norway’s economic outlook, security, and the role of values in politics. In Oslo, young supporters cheered him on, with some describing him as a “legend.” Stoltenberg himself admitted surprise at how invigorating the campaigning felt, likening it to his early days in politics in the 1970s.
Despite his influence, polls suggest that Labour and its allies may fall short of their previous electoral strength. While still favoured to lead the next government, they face strong challenges on single-issue fronts such as climate policy and the war in Gaza. With a tight race, small shifts in youth votes or climate-driven constituencies could tilt the balance.
As finance minister, Stoltenberg also oversees Norway’s vast sovereign wealth fund the world’s largest. In recent months, the fund has faced scrutiny for its investments tied to Israeli firms. While it has divested from some companies linked to Israel’s military supply chain, critics from the left argue that Labour must go further and cut all such ties. Stoltenberg has resisted such a sweeping move, insisting that full divestment is neither practical nor justified. For now, he maintains that the controversy has not significantly dented Labour’s support.
The campaign reflects a delicate balancing act: Stoltenberg’s popularity strengthens Labour’s standing, but single-issue voters may still drift toward parties promising sharper action on global justice or climate change. At the same time, international developments including the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. political stage have underscored Norway’s need for steady leadership, something Labour argues Stoltenberg embodies.
As election day nears, Norway’s political stage has regained the energy of old battles. For Labour, the presence of Jens Stoltenberg offers both reassurance and visibility, a reminder that the party still has leaders who can inspire confidence at home while commanding respect abroad. Whether this will be enough to secure re-election remains the decisive question.