On Tuesday, several media outlets reported that Anniken Huitfeldt’s future as minister is being discussed internally in the Labor Party. The discussions have been going on since August when Huitfeldt disclosed about her husband’s unknown share dealings. Unfortunately, Tormod Heier, professor at the Norwegian Defense Academy, believes: – In the times we live in, Norway needs stability in the management of foreign policy. Norway is in a very strategically vulnerable situation right now. Norway’s role in the world is more important now than it has been for a long time, says Tormod Heier, professor at the Norwegian Defense Academy. Photo: ISMAIL BURAK AKAKN / news Heier points out that Norway has become far more strategically important for Washington: Putin regularly threatens the nuclear arsenal, and the most dangerous forces are located right on the other side of the Norwegian border. Namely on the Kola Peninsula where the Russian Northern Fleet is located. In addition, Norwegian gas has become far more important for European stability, after imports from Russia have stopped. Director of the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Iver B. Neumann, urges the Prime Minister to quickly clarify Huitfeldt’s status in government: – I think it is unfortunate that Huitfeldt is in limbo. Now it is up to the Prime Minister’s office to close these speculations. Iver B. Neumann believes that Huitfeldt has strengthened herself as foreign minister, but that the current situation around her is very unfortunate. Photo: Jan Dalsgaard Sørensen Neumann believes Huitfeldt has gradually strengthened in his two years as foreign minister and has appeared increasingly steady until the man’s share case emerged. He believes the uncertainty emanating from the Prime Minister’s office is harming her, and thus also Norway. According to what news has been informed, the LO leadership has been told that Anniken Huitfeldt will be replaced as Foreign Minister. Everything indicates that Espen Barth Eide will step into this role. A strong foreign minister can achieve great things Abroad notices that our own foreign minister sits precariously in the chair. That’s what senior researcher Halvard leira at NUPI says. He believes that a weakened foreign minister misses opportunities for Norway: – If you think that the boss can be fired, then you are not that interested in what the boss has to say. And you may be less willing to give something in discussions. A minister who is perceived as weak or who is on notice will have problems gaining traction in negotiations. If the foreign minister is weak, the world around will possibly wait for the next minister, says Halvard Leira, senior researcher at NUPI Photo: NUPI A strong foreign minister, on the other hand, can accomplish great things, despite Norway’s limited size and power. Leira highlights Jonas Gahr Støre’s work on the dividing line between Russia and Norway in the Barents Sea when he was foreign minister in 2005-2009: – It is perhaps one of the greatest foreign policy achievements a Norwegian foreign minister has accomplished in the last 40 years. Much thanks to the fact that Støre was a solid partner. Støre and Lavrov sign a declaration of principle on the dividing line in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean 27 April 2010. Photo: TV2 At that time, as now, Sergej Lavrov sat in the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Leira believes that Støre’s solid position in the Stoltenberg government and the respect he enjoyed internationally meant that he was able to land the long-awaited agreement with Lavrov: – The two obviously had respect for each other. Something I believe greatly contributed to Lavrov agreeing to the agreement with Norway. – A deal that is so good that Russian nationalists have been angry about it since it was concluded. Victoria terrace creates stability When there is unrest around a minister, the Norwegian civil service steps in, says Tormod Heier. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a powerful civil service, with over 2,500 employees, the largest civil service of all. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ head office in Victoria terrace in Oslo. Photo: Teigen’s Fotoatelier – They keep the wheels in motion, so that little Norway does not signal to the outside, neither to the Middle East nor to the USA or to Russia, that there are any major crises or changes in Norwegian priorities or perceptions. – In that sense, there is a great strength with these professional civil servants who have been in the same positions for 20-30 years. It is expected that Støre will speak to Huitfeldt today.
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Huitfeldt uncertainty weakens Norway abroad – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
