Professor warns that Jens Stoltenberg’s possible 2029 comeback could stall Norway’s innovation
Professor Ole Gjems-Onstad warned that Jens Stoltenberg might run for prime minister in 2029, a move he says could impede Norway’s innovation.
Ole Gjems-Onstad, emeritus professor at BI, warned that Jens Stoltenberg could re-enter the prime-ministerial race in 2029, a scenario he believes would perpetuate a budget hostile to innovation and new jobs. He attacked one outlet fiscal plan as conservative and blamed Stoltenberg for maintaining Norway’s wealth-tax structure since 2005. Gjems-Onstad suggested a contest between Stoltenberg and Sylvi Listhaug would reshape politics if Labour changes its front-runner.
Svein Erik Tuastad of the University of Stavanger rejected the comeback idea, noting that both Stoltenberg and current Labour leader Støre are approaching retirement. Tuastad highlighted potential successors Jan Christian Vestre, Tonje Brenna, and younger figures like Kari Nessa Nortun and Andreas Bjelland Eriksen as the party’s future leaders.
Why it matters
The debate highlights concerns over Labour’s leadership choices and Norway’s economic policy ahead of the next election.
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