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Norway's ex-NATO chief Stoltenberg campaigns for Labour Party's re-election

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 10:45 GMT by ThePrint
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Jens Stoltenberg, Former NATO Chief, Rallies Behind Norway’s Labour Party Ahead of 2025 Election

In a striking display of political solidarity, former NATO Secretary‑General Jens Stoltenberg has thrown his weight behind the Norwegian Labour Party’s bid to win a second term in 2025. The 67‑year‑old statesman, who led the world’s premier military alliance from 2014 to 2021, has become a vocal advocate for the government of Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, urging voters to back a party he says is best equipped to steer Norway through the complex security and climate challenges of the 21st century.

A “Trusted Voice” for the Ruling Party

Stoltenberg’s endorsement comes at a crucial time for the Labour Party. The party has been in power since 2021, and Støre’s coalition government has made substantial strides in areas ranging from welfare reform to green energy investment. Yet the Norwegian political landscape remains highly competitive. Opposition parties—including the Conservative Party (Høyre), the Progress Party (FrP), the Green Party (Miljøpartiet), and the Liberal Party (Venstre)—are all courting voters who are wary of a Labour‑led government that is perceived to be spending too heavily on the welfare state.

By lending his name, Stoltenberg offers the Labour Party a “trusted, non‑partisan” endorsement that signals continuity and stability. In a speech at a campaign rally in Oslo’s Frogner district, Stoltenberg told a crowd of Labour supporters that “Norway’s future—its security, its prosperity, its environmental stewardship—rests on a well‑coordinated, democratically‑guided leadership.” The former NATO chief, who has spent the past decade advising on defense matters for Norway’s Ministry of Defence, reiterated his confidence in Støre’s strategy for “reinforcing Norway’s strategic partnership with allies while pursuing domestic policies that protect the Norwegian welfare model.”

Linking Security to the Future of Norway

Stoltenberg’s background in NATO and his experience navigating the geopolitical turbulence surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine give him a unique platform to speak on Norway’s defense posture. The former NATO chief has been an outspoken critic of the “security gap” that many Nordic countries feel after the war in Ukraine. In his speech, he warned that “a weak defense strategy would leave Norway vulnerable, while an excessively militarized approach risks eroding democratic values.” He praised Støre’s recent decision to increase Norway’s defense budget to 2.3 % of GDP—one of the highest rates among NATO allies—and to expand the country’s strategic autonomy in the face of Russian aggression.

Stoltenberg also addressed the need for a “balanced” approach that integrates both deterrence and diplomacy. He underscored the importance of Norway’s role as a mediator and its capacity to maintain constructive dialogue with Russia, “while ensuring that our alliance remains resilient.” The former NATO Secretary‑General said that “Norway’s commitment to peace and collective defense is not a matter of political posturing, but a fundamental duty that must be upheld for the benefit of all citizens.”

Climate Change and the Welfare State

Beyond security, Stoltenberg’s rally also highlighted the Labour Party’s climate and welfare agenda—areas where he has long been an advocate. His endorsement aligns with the Labour Party’s ambitious target of net‑zero emissions by 2050, along with substantial investment in green infrastructure and technology. Stoltenberg, who oversaw NATO’s “green” initiatives during his tenure, commended the Labour government’s plans to fund electric‑vehicle production and offshore wind farms.

He stressed that “economic growth must go hand in hand with sustainability.” In a key point that resonated with the Labour base, Stoltenberg noted that “the welfare state is not a burden; it is a cornerstone of our national resilience.” He praised the Labour Party for increasing child benefits, expanding universal childcare, and promoting affordable housing. The former NATO chief also urged the government to focus on “human capital investment” through education and lifelong learning programs that would prepare a new generation for a green economy.

The Political Calculus

Stoltenberg’s endorsement is not only a personal statement but also a strategic move that could tip the scales in a tight election. The Labour Party’s main rival, the Conservative Party, has pledged to reduce public spending and shift to a more market‑oriented policy mix. The opposition’s messaging has often highlighted the Labour Party’s perceived fiscal excesses. By counterbalancing this narrative, Stoltenberg brings a narrative of prudence and seasoned experience that could reassure moderate voters and those concerned about national security.

Critics argue that Stoltenberg’s influence is limited by the fact that he is no longer a Norwegian political officeholder. Yet his name carries international weight. In an interview on a leading Norwegian television channel, the former NATO Secretary‑General admitted, “I am not in politics, but I have watched how our country’s leadership evolves.” He clarified that his role is purely advisory and that he does not hold a seat in the Storting (the Norwegian parliament). He said his endorsement is “a personal choice” rather than a political maneuver.

The Labour Party’s reaction has been enthusiastic. Party leader Jonas Gahr Støre called the endorsement “a powerful affirmation of our shared values” and pledged to keep Norway “on the path to a secure, prosperous, and green future.” He also promised to keep the party’s “policy pillars—security, welfare, and sustainability—tight and interconnected.”

Looking Ahead

The Norwegian electorate is expected to head to the polls in September 2025. With a turnout of around 70 % in the previous election, the Labour Party will need to capitalize on every advantage. Stoltenberg’s endorsement, combined with his call for a balanced defense policy, a robust welfare system, and a clear green strategy, could sway undecided voters who fear that a shift to the right would compromise Norway’s long‑term stability.

In the broader context, Norway’s decision on who leads it in the coming years will have implications not only for domestic policy but also for the wider European security architecture. Norway has been a key NATO ally and a major contributor to joint defense initiatives. If Stoltenberg’s endorsement translates into a Labour victory, Norway will likely continue to deepen its alliance commitments while pursuing a sustainable domestic agenda.

In a world that still wrestles with geopolitical uncertainty and climate urgency, the endorsement from a figure who has stood at the helm of NATO underscores the Labour Party’s standing as a reliable guardian of Norway’s interests—on the battlefield, in the parliament, and on the frontlines of the climate fight. Whether the voters echo Stoltenberg’s call remains to be seen, but the message is clear: Norway needs a steady hand, a seasoned voice, and a comprehensive strategy if it wants to navigate the next decade with confidence.