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In her 2013 book Grete Knudsen (a former minister of commerce) voiced her support for Trond Giske as the next leader of the party.
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'''Jonas Gahr Støre''' (born 25 August 1960) is a Norwegian politician representing the [[Labour Party (Norway)|Labour Party]] and since 21 September 2012 serving as the [[Minister of Health and Care Services (Norway)|Minister of Health and Care Services]]. He was appointed to [[Stoltenberg's Second Cabinet]] on 17 October 2005, serving as [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Norway)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]].
'''Jonas Gahr Støre''' (born 25 August 1960) is a Norwegian politician representing the [[Labour Party (Norway)|Labour Party]] and since 21 September 2012 serving as the [[Minister of Health and Care Services (Norway)|Minister of Health and Care Services]]. He was appointed to [[Stoltenberg's Second Cabinet]] on 17 October 2005, serving as [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Norway)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]].

In 2013 [[Grete Knudsen]] (a former minister of commerce) said that Støre "can hardly be counted as a part of the worker's movement after having applied for a job in the [[Conservative Party]], and because he does not fly the flag on the [[1st of May]]".<ref>[http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/valg-2013/artikkel.php?artid=10119455 Grete Knudsen: - Jeg kom aldri på godfot med Gro]</ref>


== Early life and education ==
== Early life and education ==
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==Career in politics, public administration and organizations==
==Career in politics, public administration and organizations==
In 1989, Støre became special adviser in the Prime Minister's office (''spesialrådgiver på Statsministerens kontor'') of Gro Harlem Brundtland. He eventually became her "right hand"<ref name="adressa.no"/> He formally became a member of the Labour Party in 1995. He was previously affiliated with the [[Conservative Party (Norway)|Conservative Party]] ({{lang-nb|Høyre}}) having applied for a position as political advisor on foreign affairs for Høyre.<ref name="adressa.no">http://www.adressa.no/nyheter/innenriks/article1153888.ece</ref> He was offered the job but subsequently turned it down.<ref name="adressa.no"/>
He was previously affiliated with the [[Conservative Party (Norway)|Conservative Party]] ({{lang-nb|Høyre}}) having applied for a position as political advisor on foreign affairs for Høyre.<ref name="adressa.no">http://www.adressa.no/nyheter/innenriks/article1153888.ece</ref> He was offered the job but subsequently turned it down. <ref name="adressa.no"/> In 1989, Støre became special adviser in the Prime Minister's office (''spesialrådgiver på Statsministerens kontor'') of Gro Harlem Brundtland. He eventually became her "right hand"<ref name="adressa.no"/> He formally became a member of the Labour Party in 1995. He was previously affiliated with the [[Conservative Party (Norway)|Conservative Party]] ({{lang-nb|Høyre}}) having applied for a position as political advisor on foreign affairs for Høyre.<ref name="adressa.no">http://www.adressa.no/nyheter/innenriks/article1153888.ece</ref> He was offered the job but subsequently turned it down.<ref name="adressa.no"/>


He later became an ambassador in the Norwegian Delegation to the [[United Nations Office at Geneva]]. His first major international position was as Executive Director (Chief of Staff) in the [[World Health Organization]] under the leadership of [[Gro Harlem Brundtland]].
He later became an ambassador in the Norwegian Delegation to the [[United Nations Office at Geneva]]. His first major international position was as Executive Director (Chief of Staff) in the [[World Health Organization]] under the leadership of [[Gro Harlem Brundtland]].
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In 2005, Støre was appointed foreign minister in Jens Stoltenberg's government. Numerous polls showed that Støre was the most popular member of the contemporaneous government, although political scientist [[Frank Aarebrot]] has said that it is not difficult for foreign ministers to win popularity surveys.<ref>http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=10008385</ref> In the 2009 general election in Norway, Støre was elected to the Norwegian parliament, [[Stortinget]], and represented Oslo.
In 2005, Støre was appointed foreign minister in Jens Stoltenberg's government. Numerous polls showed that Støre was the most popular member of the contemporaneous government, although political scientist [[Frank Aarebrot]] has said that it is not difficult for foreign ministers to win popularity surveys.<ref>http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=10008385</ref> In the 2009 general election in Norway, Støre was elected to the Norwegian parliament, [[Stortinget]], and represented Oslo.
Støre has widely been considered as a potential future prime minister,<ref name="Hindu">{{Cite news |author= Naravane, Vaiju |title= CWS won't be swayed by diplomatic pressure |url= http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3255432.ece |newspaper= [[The Hindu]] |location= Chennai, India |date= 29 March 2012 |accessdate=3 April 2012}}</ref><ref name="Views and News_2012-03-26"/> however, following a [[conflict of interest]] incident in the second quarter of 2012, a number of trade union leaders opined that Støre's chances of succeeding Jens Stoltenberg were significantly weakened due to the revelations of his close relationship with [[Felix Tschudi]] and possible conflict-of-interest issues in the foreign ministry's decision to grant money to a foundation in which Tschudi had significant interests. Trade unions play a significant role in the decision-making processes of the Labour Party, including the selection of leadership candidates. Information emerged in this period that Støre's family company, of which he owns a 25% share, had ownership positions in three LNG carriers, were given as reason for his declining support, the rationale was that this would nominally make Støre a [[shipping magnate]] ({{lang-no|skipsreder}}), a dominant vocation among Norway's wealthy upper class.<ref name="VG_2012-04-19">{{Cite news |title= - Tschudi-saken har svekket Støres ledersjanser |trans_title= - The Tschudi affair has weakened Støre's leadership chances |author= Haugan, Bjørn; Ertesvåg, Frank; Gillesvik, Kjetil |url= http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/norsk-politikk/artikkel.php?artid=10065423 |newspaper= VG |language= Norwegian |date= 19 April 2012 |accessdate=19 April 2012}}</ref>
Støre has widely been considered as a potential future prime minister,<ref name="Hindu">{{Cite news |author= Naravane, Vaiju |title= CWS won't be swayed by diplomatic pressure |url= http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3255432.ece |newspaper= [[The Hindu]] |location= Chennai, India |date= 29 March 2012 |accessdate=3 April 2012}}</ref><ref name="Views and News_2012-03-26"/> however, following a [[conflict of interest]] incident in the second quarter of 2012, a number of trade union leaders opined that Støre's chances of succeeding Jens Stoltenberg were significantly weakened due to the revelations of his close relationship with [[Felix Tschudi]] and possible conflict-of-interest issues in the foreign ministry's decision to grant money to a foundation in which Tschudi had significant interests. Trade unions play a significant role in the decision-making processes of the Labour Party, including the selection of leadership candidates. Information emerged in this period that Støre's family company, of which he owns a 25% share, had ownership positions in three LNG carriers, were given as reason for his declining support, the rationale was that this would nominally make Støre a [[shipping magnate]] ({{lang-no|skipsreder}}), a dominant vocation among Norway's wealthy upper class.<ref name="VG_2012-04-19">{{Cite news |title= - Tschudi-saken har svekket Støres ledersjanser |trans_title= - The Tschudi affair has weakened Støre's leadership chances |author= Haugan, Bjørn; Ertesvåg, Frank; Gillesvik, Kjetil |url= http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/norsk-politikk/artikkel.php?artid=10065423 |newspaper= VG |language= Norwegian |date= 19 April 2012 |accessdate=19 April 2012}}</ref> In her 2013 book [[Grete Knudsen]] (a former minister of commerce) voiced her support for [[Trond Giske]] as the next leader of the party.


Although he is generally popular in Norway,<ref name="Hindu"/> Støre has been criticized for his arrogant leadership style.<ref>http://www.tv2.no/nyheter/innenriks/-stoere-er-overlegen-og-arrogant-3365406.html</ref> In the 2010 [[United States diplomatic cables leak]], internal assessments of Støre by American diplomats claimed that he considers himself to be morally superior and smarter than other people.<ref>{{Cite news |author= Lilleås, Heidi Schei; Berge, Jørgen |title= USA: - Støre tror han er smartere enn de fleste |trans_title= USA: - Støre thinks he is smarter than most |url= http://www.nettavisen.no/nyheter/article3046628.ece |work= [[Nettavisen]] |language= Norwegian |date= 14 December 2010 |accessdate=2 April 2012}}</ref> In connection with the 2012 criticism of conflict of interest dealings in his office as foreign minister, professor [[Petter Gottschalk]] compared Støre to the [[Sun King]] for appearing to equate his own person with the foreign ministry and he also reiterated the characteristics from the 2010 diplomat leaks.<ref name="Views and News_2012-03-26">{{Cite news |author= Berglund, Nina |title= Foreign Minister under attack |url= http://www.newsinenglish.no/2012/03/26/foreign-minister-under-attack/ |newspaper= [[Views and News from Norway]] |location= |date= 26 March 2012 |accessdate=3 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author= Lilleås, Heidi Schei |title= - Støre oppfører seg som Solkongen |trans_title= - Støre behaves like the Sun King |url= http://www.nettavisen.no/nyheter/article3363379.ece |work= [[Nettavisen]] |language= Norwegian |date= 26 March 2012 |accessdate=2 April 2012}}</ref>
Although he is generally popular in Norway,<ref name="Hindu"/> Støre has been criticized for his arrogant leadership style.<ref>http://www.tv2.no/nyheter/innenriks/-stoere-er-overlegen-og-arrogant-3365406.html</ref> In the 2010 [[United States diplomatic cables leak]], internal assessments of Støre by American diplomats claimed that he considers himself to be morally superior and smarter than other people.<ref>{{Cite news |author= Lilleås, Heidi Schei; Berge, Jørgen |title= USA: - Støre tror han er smartere enn de fleste |trans_title= USA: - Støre thinks he is smarter than most |url= http://www.nettavisen.no/nyheter/article3046628.ece |work= [[Nettavisen]] |language= Norwegian |date= 14 December 2010 |accessdate=2 April 2012}}</ref> In connection with the 2012 criticism of conflict of interest dealings in his office as foreign minister, professor [[Petter Gottschalk]] compared Støre to the [[Sun King]] for appearing to equate his own person with the foreign ministry and he also reiterated the characteristics from the 2010 diplomat leaks.<ref name="Views and News_2012-03-26">{{Cite news |author= Berglund, Nina |title= Foreign Minister under attack |url= http://www.newsinenglish.no/2012/03/26/foreign-minister-under-attack/ |newspaper= [[Views and News from Norway]] |location= |date= 26 March 2012 |accessdate=3 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author= Lilleås, Heidi Schei |title= - Støre oppfører seg som Solkongen |trans_title= - Støre behaves like the Sun King |url= http://www.nettavisen.no/nyheter/article3363379.ece |work= [[Nettavisen]] |language= Norwegian |date= 26 March 2012 |accessdate=2 April 2012}}</ref>
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=== 2012 Parliamentary hearing ===
=== 2012 Parliamentary hearing ===
{{expand section|date=August 2013}}
{{expand section|date=August 2013}}
On 20 March 2012, Støre became the focus of widespread media scrutiny when the newspaper ''[[Dagbladet]]'' uncovered<ref name="Dagbladet_2012-03-20">{{Cite news |author= Sørenes, Kjetil Magne; Kristiansen, Bjørn S.; Aurdal, Martine |title= Dette er en god mann. Det må dere få med |trans_title= This is a good man. Take note of that |url= http://www.dagbladet.no/2012/03/20/nyheter/innenriks/politikk/jonas_gahr_store/nordomradene/20755069/ |newspaper= [[Dagbladet]] |language= Norwegian |date= 20 March 2012 |accessdate=3 April 2012}}</ref> that a foundation belonging to Støre's close friend since adolescence, billionaire Felix Tschudi,<ref name="VG_2012-03-23">{{Cite news |author= Tjersland, Jonas; Haugan, Bjørn; Ertesvåg, Frank; Nervik, Stein |title= Støre og Tschudi feirer 17. mai og nyttår sammen |trans_title= Støre and Tschudi celebrate 17 May and New Year together |url= http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=10079820 |newspaper= [[Verdens Gang]] |language= Norwegian |date= 23 March 2012 |accessdate=23 March 2012}}</ref> had received expedited grants from the foreign ministry. The foreign ministry formally approved the application on 7 November 2008, however, Støre made the announcement in a lecture on 14 October, four days after the application was submitted on the preceding Friday.<ref name="Dagbladet_2012-03-20"/> An internal memo from the foreign ministry surfaced in mid-April 2012 that stated, "the foreign ministry's support for the project has been approved and announced by State Secretary Walaas in a meeting with F. Tschudi, the Norwegian Shipowners' Association et al on 25 September 2008".<ref name="Dagbladet_2012-04-17">{{Cite news |title= Ga millionstøtte uten søknad |trans_title= Gave millions in support without application |author= Sørenes, Kjetil Magne |url= http://www.dagbladet.no/2012/04/17/nyheter/store-millionene/felix_tschudi/utenriksdepartementet/jonas_gahr_st/21140716/ |newspaper= Dagbladet |language= Norwegian |date= 17 April 2012 |accessdate=17 April 2012}}</ref> The ministry would match<ref name="VG_2012-03-20_1">{{Cite news |author= Gustavsen, Øyvind |title= UD ga millioner til Støre-venns stiftelse |trans_title= UD gave millions to foundation of Støre friend |url= http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/norsk-politikk/artikkel.php?artid=10079500 |newspaper= [[Verdens Gang]] |language= Norwegian |date= 20 March 2012 |accessdate=23 March 2012}}</ref> the investments from Tschudi's own Tschudi Shipping Company AS (TCH) with {{Currency|6 million|NOK}} (approx. {{Currency|1 million}} as of April 2012) for the establishment of [[Centre for High North Logistics]] (CHNL). The initiative to the 5-year project, which is stipulated to end in 2013,<ref name="Dagbladet_2012-04-01">{{Cite news |author= Bergsaker, Tore; Sørenes, Kjetil Magne; Kristiansen, Bjørn S. |title= - Forutsetningen for dette har vært et allmennyttig formål om å løfte kunnskap |trans_title= - The precondition for this has been a public benefit goal of heightened knowledge |url= http://www.dagbladet.no/2012/04/01/nyheter/innenriks/store-millionene/ud/politikk/20934465/ |newspaper= Dagbladet |language= Norwegian |date= 1 April 2012 |accessdate=2 April 2012}}</ref> had been made by Felix Tschudi, who was also chairman of the foundation's board. The foundation was established in 2009.<ref name="VG_2012-03-20_2">{{Cite news |author= Gustavsen, Øyvind |title= Støre-støtte skal granskes av Stortinget |trans_title= Støre support to be examined by Stortinget |url= http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=10079528 |newspaper= [[Verdens Gang]] |language= Norwegian |date= 20 March 2012 |accessdate=23 March 2012}}</ref> The first payment, three quarters of the total, was made in 2008; the remainder was paid out in 2011.<ref name="Dagbladet_2012-03-20"/> TSC has made big investments in harbor facilities and shipping in the [[High North]] (Arctic) region.<ref name="Dagbladet_2012-03-29"/>

In the midst of the public discussion over this case, information emerged that in 2010, the accounting firm [[Ernst & Young]] had reviewed the organization of the foundation. Among its conclusions, it stated that it "could possibly be perceived to have as one aim economical benefit for others, among whom would be the groups that are behind the foundation (Tschudi Shipping)". The report also said that the research performed by the foundation could be deemed as "giving economical benefit to the participants, including Tschudi Shipping, in connection with the development of direct solutions for increased shipping activity with ensuing rise in profit".<ref name="Dagbladet_2012-03-29">{{Cite news |author= Sørenes, Kjetil Magne |title= Ernst og Young ga råd til Støre:- Kan gi økonomisk fordel for Tschudi Shipping Company |trans_title= Ernst and Young gave advice to Støre:- Can give economical advantage to Tschudi Shipping Company |url= http://www.dagbladet.no/2012/03/29/nyheter/jonas_gahr_store/tschudi/senter_for_nordomradelogistikk/politikk/20896737/ |newspaper= Dagbladet |language= Norwegian |date= 29 March 2012 |accessdate=29 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="NRK_2012-03-29">{{Cite news |title= – UD-tildeling kan ha gitt Tschudi økonomisk fordel |trans_title= – Foreign Ministry grant may have given economical advantage to Tschudi |url= http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/norge/1.8054751 |publisher= NRK |agency= [[Norwegian News Agency|NTB]] |language= Norwegian |date= 29 March 2012 |accessdate=29 March 2012}}</ref> A copy of the report from Ernst & Young was sent to the foreign ministry.<ref name="Dagbladet_2012-03-29"/> On 30 March 2012 the newspaper ''[[Verdens Gang]]'' announced that important documents related to the foreign ministry's processing of Tschudi's application were missing, and that the ministry, apparently in violation of both the Archives Act and the [[Freedom of information legislation#Norway|Freedom of information Act]], had decided not to archive one of the documents in which a reply to the [[Norwegian Shipowners' Association]]—which served as a conduit for Tschudi's application—three weeks before the application was submitted, the ministry gives advice on how to formulate the application and makes concrete suggestions for changes in the draft text which they are reviewing.<ref name="VG_2012-03-30">{{Cite news |author= Nervik, Stein; Haugan, Bjørn |title= Tschudi-dokumenter forsvunnet |trans_title= Tschudi documents disappeared |url= http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/norsk-politikk/artikkel.php?artid=10072598 |newspaper= [[Verdens Gang|VG]] |language= Norwegian |date= 30 March 2012 |accessdate=2 April 2012}}</ref> The same day, [[TV 2 (Norway)|TV 2]] told that the public interest research which the CHNL foundation was to conduct was actually research on how Tschudi could transport iron ore from his own mine to China.<ref name="TV 2_2012-03-30">{{Cite news |author= Steffensen, Christian; Eriksrud, Aslak M.; Kirkevold, Fredrik |title= Støre-venn forsket på egen gruve |trans_title= Støre friend researched his own mine |url= http://www.tv2.no/nyheter/innenriks/politikk/stoerevenn-forsket-paa-egen-gruve-3746250.html |publisher= [[TV 2 (Norway)|TV 2]] |language= Norwegian |date= 30 March 2012 |accessdate= 3 April 2012}}</ref>

A few weeks before the Støre affair, another scandal involving Socialist Left Party cabinet member [[Audun Lysbakken]] had occurred. Lysbakken resigned following revelations that an expedited grant had been given by his ministry to a group closely associated with his own party. The [[Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs]] will examine the Støre case as part of a sweeping audit of grants from all the ministries following the Lysbakken affair.<ref name="VG_2012-03-20_2"/> Several leading parliamentarians criticized Støre for not requesting a formal assessment of whether he had a conflict of interest. The newspaper ''Dagbladet'' in an editorial, asserted the Støre case was graver than the Lysbakken case.<ref name="Aftenposten_2012-03-20">{{Cite news |author= Barstad, Stine |title= - Underlig at han ikke tar selvkritikk |trans_title= - Odd that he doesn't apply self-criticism |url= http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/politikk/--Underlig-at-han-ikke-tar-selvkritikk-6788724.html#.T2xZTR2YNpg |newspaper= [[Aftenposten]] |language= Norwegian |date= 20 March 2012 |accessdate=23 March 2012}}</ref>

Støre cursorily rejected suggestions that he had a conflict of interest, and his rejection of criticisms that he should have requested a professional assessment of his impartiality has sharpened the criticism from a consensus of politicians and legal scholars.<ref name="Views and News from Norway_2012-03-28">{{Cite news |author= Berglund, Nina |title= Foreign Minister under attack |url= http://www.newsinenglish.no/2012/03/26/foreign-minister-under-attack/ |work= Views and News from Norway|date= 26 March 2012 |accessdate=28 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author= Aaserud, Sophie Lund |title= Frykter Støre er i utakt om habilitet |trans_title= Fears Støre is out of step on impartiality |url= http://www.tv2.no/nyheter/innenriks/politikk/frykter-stoere-er-i-utakt-om-habilitet-3744513.html |publisher= [[TV 2 (Norway)|TV 2]] |language= Norwegian |date= 28 March 2012 |accessdate=28 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="VG_2012-03-24">{{Cite news |title= Jusprofessor snur i Støre-saken |trans_title= Law professor turns about on the Støre case |author= Tjersland, Jonas; Haugan, Bjørn; Nervik, Stein; Ertesvåg, Frank |url= http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=10064587 |newspaper= Verdens Gang |language= Norwegian |date= 24 March 2012 |accessdate=10 April 2012}}</ref> On 10 April ''Dagbladet'' published the results of an independent impartiality assessment of Støre's dealings with Tschudi's foundation, commissioned by the newspaper from the law firm Kvale, which concluded that Støre was not impartial. The Kvale report harshly rejected Støre's repeated contention that the fact that the application for the grant was submitted through the Norwegian Shipowners' Association relieves him of any possible partiality. The report counters this position, saying that such an interpretation of the rules would make them hollow and easy to circumvent.<ref name="Dagbladet_2012-04-10">{{Cite news |author= Sørenes, Kjetil Magne |title= - Vanlig for Støre å stå på sitt |trans_title= - Common for Støre to stand his ground |url= http://www.dagbladet.no/2012/04/10/nyheter/store-millionene/jonas_gahr_store/innenriks/regjeringen/21045508/ |newspaper= Dagbladet |language= Norwegian |date= 10 April 2012 |accessdate=10 April 2012}}</ref> Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg gave his support to Støre early following the first reports of the affair,<ref name="VG_2012-03-21">{{Cite news |title= Stoltenberg har tillit til Støres vurderinger |trans_title= Stoltenberg has confidence in Støre's assessments |author= Gustavsen, Øyvind |url= http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=10079637 |newspaper= Verdens Gang |language= Norwegian |date= 21 March 2012 |accessdate=13 April 2012}}</ref> Stoltenberg's claim that Støre had assessed his impartiality caused protest from several critics who point out that Støre early on had said that he had not evaluated any conflict-of-interest problems, instead cursorily dismissed such an objection as irrelevant because the application for the project was submitted not by Tschudi or his company, but by the Norwegian Shipowners' Association. The critics, according to one newspaper report; a leading source within Lysbakken's party, professor Petter Gottschalk and Per-Kristian Foss stated that the two cases had been dealt with substantially using different sets of rules, and that Støre, being a more powerful politician from the prime minister's party, was being protected.<ref name="Dagbladet_2012-04-12">{{Cite news |title= - Støre er utenriksminister og Ap-mann. Lysbakken var ingen av delene |trans_title= - Støre is foreign minister and Labour man. Lysbakken was neither |author= Prestegård, Sofie; Sørenes, Kjetil Magne; Lode, Veslemøy |url= http://www.dagbladet.no/2012/04/12/nyheter/jens_stoltenberg/politikk/regjeringen/ap/21082511/ |newspaper= Dagbladet |language= Norwegian |date= 12 April 2012 |accessdate=13 April 2012}}</ref>

On 13 April Støre submitted his statement to the parliament's Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs where he reiterated what he had already been quoted saying to the news media.<ref name="Dagbladet_2012-04-14">{{Cite news |title= Åpner for ny vurdering i Stortinget |trans_title= Opens up for new evaluation in the Storting |author= Sørenes, Kjetil Magne; Prestegård, Sofie |url= http://www.dagbladet.no/2012/04/14/nyheter/store/tschudi/politikk/arbeiderpartiet/21104992/ |newspaper= Dagbladet |language= Norwegian |date= 14 April 2012 |accessdate= 14 April 2012}}</ref> In this statement Støre informed parliament that the foreign ministry had two meetings with Felix Tschudi in September 2008, prior to the October application from the Shipowners' Association which was also party to the second of these meetings. During the summer and fall there were also "probes", Støre wrote, from the Shipowners' Association via its project [[Global Maritime Knowledge Hub]]. He also named other parties that according to him were behind the initiative to establish what would later become the Centre for High North Logistics. In an 15 April article detailing these aspects of Støre's statement, ''Dagbladet'' claimed it had a number of documents and emails which contradict this version, and described Tschudi as the sole party behind the initiative. A note dated March 2010, written by then Manager of CHNL, Kristin Omholt-Jensen, also describes Felix Tschudi as the initiator.<ref name="Dagbladet_2012-04-15">{{Cite news |title= UD møtte med Tschudi først |trans_title= Foreign Ministry first met with Tschudi |author= Sørenes, Kjetil Magne; Aurdal, Martine |url= http://www.dagbladet.no/2012/04/15/nyheter/store-millionene/felix_tschudi/politikk/jonas_gahr_st/21110725/ |newspaper= Dagbladet |language= Norwegian |date= 15 April 2012 |accessdate= 15 April 2012}}</ref> In a 4 May article, a former deputy mayor of [[Sør-Varanger]], Lisbeth Isaksen, wrote that the Barents Institute (established in 2006) received "many millions" from the foreign ministry, before money was allocated for the establishment of CHNL. She asks why the application regarding CHNL was not interfaced with the Barents Institute, and she questions why the minister did not go for a proposal regarding a center to be staffed by local expertise—a proposal presented during a presentation in Kirkenes, before the establishment of CHNL.<ref>{{Cite news |author= Isaksen, Lisbeth |title= Venn i vekst |newspaper= Dagbladet |date= 4 May 2012 |page= 73 |quote= Støre/Tschudi:"; 'I forkant av tildelingen til opprettelse av et Senter for nordområdelogistikk, tildelte UD mange millioner til opprettelse av Barentsinstituttet, et forskningsinstitutt som ble etablert i 2006 i Kirkenes. Blant de mange oppgavene instituttet fikk, var forskning innenfor ressursutnyttelse, handel og logistikk over nasjonale grenser i nordområdene, bare for å referere noe. I perioden der Tschudi var delaktig i søknad og sørget for at rederiforbundet fikk penger, ble ikke denne søknaden koblet opp mot Barentsinstituttet. I dag eies Barentsinstituttet av Universitetet i Tromsø.'; 'Støre ble, før Senter for nordområdelogistikk ble etablert, presentert lokale løsninger for opprettelse av et senter i Kirkenes. For å styrke fagmiljø med interesse for nordområdene og grenserelasjoner, kunne allerede eksisterende kompetansemiljø vært samordnet og koordinert'; 'Presentasjonen ga ikke gjenklang hos Støre den gang. Så ble Senter for nordområdelogistikk etablert. Hvorfor prioriteringene ble som de ble, kan bare Støre svare for, men det er liten tvil om at han har en venn i vekst i nord.'}}</ref>

The leader of the Standing Committee, [[Anders Anundsen]] of the Progress Party, expressed slight disappointment that Støre's statement was not accompanied by a retrospective formal assessment of the impartiality question. Anundsen stated that this meant the committee would now have to investigate the matter, and he suggested one way of doing that would be to request such an investigation from the parliament's evaluation section, a bureau which normally handles about 400 investigations annually at the request of parliamentarians, political parties and parliamentary committees.<ref name="Dagbladet_2012-04-14">{{Cite news |title= Åpner for ny vurdering i Stortinget |trans_title= Opens up for new evaluation in the Storting |author= Sørenes, Kjetil Magne; Prestegård, Sofie |url= http://www.dagbladet.no/2012/04/14/nyheter/store/tschudi/politikk/arbeiderpartiet/21104992/ |newspaper= Dagbladet |language= Norwegian |date= 14 April 2012 |accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref> Anundsen commented to the media since the first articles appeared in ''Dagbladet'' on 20 March. He maintained a skeptical and questioning stance towards the actions taken by Støre in the original ministry proceedings and his responses in the period of unveiling of the circumstances in the media.<ref name="Dagbladet_2012-04-01"/><ref name="VG_2012-03-20_2"/><ref name="Dagbladet_2012-03-29"/><ref name="NRK_2012-03-29"/><ref name="VG_2012-03-30"/><ref name="TV 2_2012-03-30">{{Cite news |author= Steffensen, Christian; Eriksrud, Aslak M.; Kirkevold, Fredrik |title= Støre-venn forsket på egen gruve |trans_title= Støre friend researched his own mine |url= http://www.tv2.no/nyheter/innenriks/politikk/stoerevenn-forsket-paa-egen-gruve-3746250.html |publisher= [[TV 2 (Norway)|TV 2]] |language= Norwegian |date= 30 March 2012 |accessdate=3 April 2012}}</ref><ref name="Aftenposten_2012-03-20"/><ref name="Views and News from Norway_2012-03-28"/><ref name="Dagbladet_2012-04-12"/><ref name="Dagbladet_2012-04-14"/><ref name="Dagbladet_2012-04-15">{{Cite news |title= UD møtte med Tschudi først |trans_title= Foreign Ministry first met with Tschudi |author= Sørenes, Kjetil Magne; Aurdal, Martine |url= http://www.dagbladet.no/2012/04/15/nyheter/store-millionene/felix_tschudi/politikk/jonas_gahr_st/21110725/ |newspaper= Dagbladet |language= Norwegian |date= 15 April 2012 |accessdate=15 April 2012}}</ref> On 17 April the Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs unanimously decided to investigate the matter. The committee's second deputy leader, [[Martin Kolberg]] of the Labour Party, which made the initiative for the probe, said the reason for the investigation was the frequent comments given to the media by the committee's leader, Anders Anundsen.<ref name="NRK_2012-04-17">{{Cite news |title= Støre må møte i kontrollkomiteen |trans_title= Støre must appear in front of the Committee on Scrutiny |author= Hirsti, Kristine |url= http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/norge/1.8079447 |publisher= NRK |language= Norwegian |date= 17 April 2012 |accessdate=18 April 2012}}</ref> After the hearing on 7 May, [[Per Kristian Foss]] MP concluded that there will not be any [[motion of no confidence]] against Støre—and [[impeachment]] is not an issue.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Ikke mistillit mot Støre. Det blir ikke noe mistillitsforslag mot utenriksminister Jonas Gahr Støre etter dagens høring. Men opposisjonen kaller Støre selvgod og mener han har utvist dårlig skjønn. |trans_title= No ''mistillit'' against Støre. There will not be a motion of no confidence against foreign minister Jonas Gahr Støre after today's hearing. But the opposition is referring to Støre as smug, and is of the opinion that he has exhibited poor judgement. |url= http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/Ikke-mistillit-mot-Store-6822610.html |newspaper= Aftenposten |author= Hofoss, Espen |language= Norwegian |date= 7 May 2012}}</ref> The committee's recommendations following the hearing were presented on 22 May. The three parties from the ruling [[Red-Green Coalition]] formed the majority opinion agreeing there was no basis for criticism, whereas the minority opposition parties thought that strong criticism was called for.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Frp om Tschudi-saken: Hakket under mistillit |trans_title= Frp about the Tschudi case: One notch below mistrust |url= http://www.vl.no/samfunn/frp-om-tschudi-saken-hakket-under-mistillit/ |newspaper= Vårt Land |agency= NTB |date= 22 May 2012 |accessdate=29 May 2012 |archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/681qGW2L1 |archivedate= 29 May 2012 |deadurl= no}}</ref> The ensuing parliamentary debate included heated exchanges, particularly between the Labour Party and Progress Party.<ref>{{Cite news |title= - Støre har feilinformert |trans_title= - Støre has misinformed |author= Karlsen, Kirsten; Sørenes, Kjetil Magne |url= http://www.dagbladet.no/2012/05/29/nyheter/innenriks/politikk/store/arbeiderpartiet/21829350/ |newspaper= Dagbladet |date= 29 May 2012 |accessdate=29 May 2012 |archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/681ogAmvq |archivedate= 29 May 2012 |deadurl= no}}</ref>

The secretary general of the Norwegian chapter of [[Transparency International]], Guro Slettemark, commented on this case and other contemporaneous conflict-of-interest cases involving other Norwegian ministers, Audun Lysbakken, [[Tora Aasland]], [[Bjarne Håkon Hanssen]] and [[Liv Signe Navarsete]], that in other countries these improprieties would usually be labeled corruption and that they contribute to undermine the popular trust in politicians and even in democracy.<ref>{{Cite news |author= Therkelsen, Håvard |title= Vil vekke politikerne |trans_title= Wants to wake up the politicians |url= http://www.dagsavisen.no/samfunn/vil-vekke-politikerne-/.zrm |newspaper= [[Dagsavisen]] |language= Norwegian |date= 2 April 2012 |accessdate=2 April 2012}}</ref>

===Alleged breach of sanctions against Iran ===
On 20 April 2012, media reported that a ship that was part-owned by Støre, had on two occasions in 2011 transported gas from an Iranian port that had been black-listed by the United States.<ref>{{cite web|title=Støre i Iran-skvis. Flere havner i Iran ble svartelistet, men et av "Støre-skipene" fortsatte å frakte gass ut fra en av de omstridte havnene.|trans_title= Støre in a sqeeze regarding Iran. Multiple ports in Iran were black-listed, but one of the "Støre-ships" continued to transport gas out of the controversial port.|url=http://e24.no/makro-og-politikk/stoere-i-iran-skvis/20195485|publisher=[[E24 Næringsliv]]|author=Tjersland, Jonas|language=Norwegian|date=20 April 2012}}</ref>

===Appointment of Tore Eriksen===
In August 2012 the newspaper [[Verdens Gang]] reported that Jonas Gahr Støre had appointed his former colleague and alleged friend [[Tore Eriksen]], a top bureaucrat, to a very lucrative job without publicly announcing the vacancy beforehand.<ref>http://www.dn.no/forsiden/politikkSamfunn/article2449461.ece</ref><ref>http://www.dagsavisen.no/samfunn/store-fikset-millionlonn-til-eks-kollega/</ref> Eriksen along with his wife earned more than NOK 2.5 million in salary from the Norwegian government, which was said to be significantly higher than any other civil servant in public service and 50 percent higher than his predecessor. Additionally Eriksen received a NOK 500.000 tax-free increase due to him living abroad and a NOK 132.000 "spousal increase" due to him living with his wife.<ref>{{cite news|last=Glomnes|first=Lars|title=Jonas Gahr Støre ga eks-kollega superlønn|url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=10059550|accessdate=10.08.2012|newspaper=Vg.no|date=09.08.2012|author=Gunn Kari Hegvik|language=Norwegian|year=2012}}</ref> Analysts called it "special treatment" due to "close relationships" between the political elite.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jacobsen|first=Fridtjof|title=Nøysomhet i praksis|url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/meninger/artikkel.php?artid=10059534|work=Meninger|publisher=Vg.no|language=Norwegian|month=August|year=2012}}</ref> Labour union leader [[Anders Folkestad]] denounced Gahr Støre in the wake of the matter, as did the opposition Progress Party.<ref>{{cite news|last=Glomnes|first=Lars|title=Staten fører to typer lønnspolitikk|url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/norsk-politikk/artikkel.php?artid=10059605|accessdate=10.08.2012|newspaper=Vg.no|date=09.08.2012|language=Norwegian|year=2012}}</ref>


===Alleged breach of sanctions against Iran ===
===Alleged breach of sanctions against Iran ===

Revision as of 09:46, 15 August 2013

Jonas Gahr Støre
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office
17 October 2005 – 21 September 2012
MonarchHarald V
Prime MinisterJens Stoltenberg
Preceded byJan Petersen
Succeeded byEspen Barth Eide
Minister of Health and Care services
Incumbent
Assumed office
21 September 2012
MonarchHarald V
Prime MinisterJens Stoltenberg
Preceded byAnne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen
Personal details
Born (1960-08-25) 25 August 1960 (age 64)
Oslo, Norway
Political partyNorwegian Labour Party
RelationsMarit Slagsvold
ChildrenThree
Residence(s)Oslo, Norway
Alma materParis Institute of Political Studies, Royal Norwegian Naval Academy
OccupationElected MP in the Storting 2009 -
WebsiteGovernment page

Jonas Gahr Støre (born 25 August 1960) is a Norwegian politician representing the Labour Party and since 21 September 2012 serving as the Minister of Health and Care Services. He was appointed to Stoltenberg's Second Cabinet on 17 October 2005, serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

In 2013 Grete Knudsen (a former minister of commerce) said that Støre "can hardly be counted as a part of the worker's movement after having applied for a job in the Conservative Party, and because he does not fly the flag on the 1st of May".[4]

Early life and education

Born in Oslo, Jonas Gahr Støre is the son of shipping magnate Ulf Jonas Støre (1925-) and librarian Unni Gahr (1931-).[5] He attended Berg School in Oslo, then underwent naval officer training at the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy. He later studied political science for five years at the Sciences Po in Paris.[6] He enrolled as a PhD student at the London School of Economics but withdrew after a few weeks.[citation needed]

Støre started his professional career as a teaching fellow in the Harvard Negotiation Project at Harvard Law School in 1986. This was followed by a position as a researcher at the Norwegian School of Management from 1986 to 1989.

Career in politics, public administration and organizations

He was previously affiliated with the Conservative Party (Bokmål: Høyre) having applied for a position as political advisor on foreign affairs for Høyre.[7] He was offered the job but subsequently turned it down. [7] In 1989, Støre became special adviser in the Prime Minister's office (spesialrådgiver på Statsministerens kontor) of Gro Harlem Brundtland. He eventually became her "right hand"[7] He formally became a member of the Labour Party in 1995. He was previously affiliated with the Conservative Party (Bokmål: Høyre) having applied for a position as political advisor on foreign affairs for Høyre.[7] He was offered the job but subsequently turned it down.[7]

He later became an ambassador in the Norwegian Delegation to the United Nations Office at Geneva. His first major international position was as Executive Director (Chief of Staff) in the World Health Organization under the leadership of Gro Harlem Brundtland.

He was Executive Chairman of the think tank ECON Analyse from 2002 to 2003 and Secretary General of the Norwegian Red Cross from 2003 to 2005.

In 2005, Støre was appointed foreign minister in Jens Stoltenberg's government. Numerous polls showed that Støre was the most popular member of the contemporaneous government, although political scientist Frank Aarebrot has said that it is not difficult for foreign ministers to win popularity surveys.[8] In the 2009 general election in Norway, Støre was elected to the Norwegian parliament, Stortinget, and represented Oslo.

Støre has widely been considered as a potential future prime minister,[9][10] however, following a conflict of interest incident in the second quarter of 2012, a number of trade union leaders opined that Støre's chances of succeeding Jens Stoltenberg were significantly weakened due to the revelations of his close relationship with Felix Tschudi and possible conflict-of-interest issues in the foreign ministry's decision to grant money to a foundation in which Tschudi had significant interests. Trade unions play a significant role in the decision-making processes of the Labour Party, including the selection of leadership candidates. Information emerged in this period that Støre's family company, of which he owns a 25% share, had ownership positions in three LNG carriers, were given as reason for his declining support, the rationale was that this would nominally make Støre a shipping magnate (Norwegian: skipsreder), a dominant vocation among Norway's wealthy upper class.[11] In her 2013 book Grete Knudsen (a former minister of commerce) voiced her support for Trond Giske as the next leader of the party.

Although he is generally popular in Norway,[9] Støre has been criticized for his arrogant leadership style.[12] In the 2010 United States diplomatic cables leak, internal assessments of Støre by American diplomats claimed that he considers himself to be morally superior and smarter than other people.[13] In connection with the 2012 criticism of conflict of interest dealings in his office as foreign minister, professor Petter Gottschalk compared Støre to the Sun King for appearing to equate his own person with the foreign ministry and he also reiterated the characteristics from the 2010 diplomat leaks.[10][14]

Conflict-of-interest accusations

In 2007, Støre intervened in a case in which Tschudi's company had been refused permits to transfer oil. Following the intervention, the Ministry of the Environment reversed its position.[15]

2012 Parliamentary hearing

On 20 March 2012, Støre became the focus of widespread media scrutiny when the newspaper Dagbladet uncovered[16] that a foundation belonging to Støre's close friend since adolescence, billionaire Felix Tschudi,[17] had received expedited grants from the foreign ministry. The foreign ministry formally approved the application on 7 November 2008, however, Støre made the announcement in a lecture on 14 October, four days after the application was submitted on the preceding Friday.[16] An internal memo from the foreign ministry surfaced in mid-April 2012 that stated, "the foreign ministry's support for the project has been approved and announced by State Secretary Walaas in a meeting with F. Tschudi, the Norwegian Shipowners' Association et al on 25 September 2008".[18] The ministry would match[19] the investments from Tschudi's own Tschudi Shipping Company AS (TCH) with kr 6,000,000 (approx. US$1,000,000 as of April 2012) for the establishment of Centre for High North Logistics (CHNL). The initiative to the 5-year project, which is stipulated to end in 2013,[20] had been made by Felix Tschudi, who was also chairman of the foundation's board. The foundation was established in 2009.[21] The first payment, three quarters of the total, was made in 2008; the remainder was paid out in 2011.[16] TSC has made big investments in harbor facilities and shipping in the High North (Arctic) region.[22]

In the midst of the public discussion over this case, information emerged that in 2010, the accounting firm Ernst & Young had reviewed the organization of the foundation. Among its conclusions, it stated that it "could possibly be perceived to have as one aim economical benefit for others, among whom would be the groups that are behind the foundation (Tschudi Shipping)". The report also said that the research performed by the foundation could be deemed as "giving economical benefit to the participants, including Tschudi Shipping, in connection with the development of direct solutions for increased shipping activity with ensuing rise in profit".[22][23] A copy of the report from Ernst & Young was sent to the foreign ministry.[22] On 30 March 2012 the newspaper Verdens Gang announced that important documents related to the foreign ministry's processing of Tschudi's application were missing, and that the ministry, apparently in violation of both the Archives Act and the Freedom of information Act, had decided not to archive one of the documents in which a reply to the Norwegian Shipowners' Association—which served as a conduit for Tschudi's application—three weeks before the application was submitted, the ministry gives advice on how to formulate the application and makes concrete suggestions for changes in the draft text which they are reviewing.[24] The same day, TV 2 told that the public interest research which the CHNL foundation was to conduct was actually research on how Tschudi could transport iron ore from his own mine to China.[25]

A few weeks before the Støre affair, another scandal involving Socialist Left Party cabinet member Audun Lysbakken had occurred. Lysbakken resigned following revelations that an expedited grant had been given by his ministry to a group closely associated with his own party. The Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs will examine the Støre case as part of a sweeping audit of grants from all the ministries following the Lysbakken affair.[21] Several leading parliamentarians criticized Støre for not requesting a formal assessment of whether he had a conflict of interest. The newspaper Dagbladet in an editorial, asserted the Støre case was graver than the Lysbakken case.[26]

Støre cursorily rejected suggestions that he had a conflict of interest, and his rejection of criticisms that he should have requested a professional assessment of his impartiality has sharpened the criticism from a consensus of politicians and legal scholars.[27][28][29] On 10 April Dagbladet published the results of an independent impartiality assessment of Støre's dealings with Tschudi's foundation, commissioned by the newspaper from the law firm Kvale, which concluded that Støre was not impartial. The Kvale report harshly rejected Støre's repeated contention that the fact that the application for the grant was submitted through the Norwegian Shipowners' Association relieves him of any possible partiality. The report counters this position, saying that such an interpretation of the rules would make them hollow and easy to circumvent.[30] Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg gave his support to Støre early following the first reports of the affair,[31] Stoltenberg's claim that Støre had assessed his impartiality caused protest from several critics who point out that Støre early on had said that he had not evaluated any conflict-of-interest problems, instead cursorily dismissed such an objection as irrelevant because the application for the project was submitted not by Tschudi or his company, but by the Norwegian Shipowners' Association. The critics, according to one newspaper report; a leading source within Lysbakken's party, professor Petter Gottschalk and Per-Kristian Foss stated that the two cases had been dealt with substantially using different sets of rules, and that Støre, being a more powerful politician from the prime minister's party, was being protected.[32]

On 13 April Støre submitted his statement to the parliament's Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs where he reiterated what he had already been quoted saying to the news media.[33] In this statement Støre informed parliament that the foreign ministry had two meetings with Felix Tschudi in September 2008, prior to the October application from the Shipowners' Association which was also party to the second of these meetings. During the summer and fall there were also "probes", Støre wrote, from the Shipowners' Association via its project Global Maritime Knowledge Hub. He also named other parties that according to him were behind the initiative to establish what would later become the Centre for High North Logistics. In an 15 April article detailing these aspects of Støre's statement, Dagbladet claimed it had a number of documents and emails which contradict this version, and described Tschudi as the sole party behind the initiative. A note dated March 2010, written by then Manager of CHNL, Kristin Omholt-Jensen, also describes Felix Tschudi as the initiator.[34] In a 4 May article, a former deputy mayor of Sør-Varanger, Lisbeth Isaksen, wrote that the Barents Institute (established in 2006) received "many millions" from the foreign ministry, before money was allocated for the establishment of CHNL. She asks why the application regarding CHNL was not interfaced with the Barents Institute, and she questions why the minister did not go for a proposal regarding a center to be staffed by local expertise—a proposal presented during a presentation in Kirkenes, before the establishment of CHNL.[35]

The leader of the Standing Committee, Anders Anundsen of the Progress Party, expressed slight disappointment that Støre's statement was not accompanied by a retrospective formal assessment of the impartiality question. Anundsen stated that this meant the committee would now have to investigate the matter, and he suggested one way of doing that would be to request such an investigation from the parliament's evaluation section, a bureau which normally handles about 400 investigations annually at the request of parliamentarians, political parties and parliamentary committees.[33] Anundsen commented to the media since the first articles appeared in Dagbladet on 20 March. He maintained a skeptical and questioning stance towards the actions taken by Støre in the original ministry proceedings and his responses in the period of unveiling of the circumstances in the media.[20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][32][33][34] On 17 April the Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs unanimously decided to investigate the matter. The committee's second deputy leader, Martin Kolberg of the Labour Party, which made the initiative for the probe, said the reason for the investigation was the frequent comments given to the media by the committee's leader, Anders Anundsen.[36] After the hearing on 7 May, Per Kristian Foss MP concluded that there will not be any motion of no confidence against Støre—and impeachment is not an issue.[37] The committee's recommendations following the hearing were presented on 22 May. The three parties from the ruling Red-Green Coalition formed the majority opinion agreeing there was no basis for criticism, whereas the minority opposition parties thought that strong criticism was called for.[38] The ensuing parliamentary debate included heated exchanges, particularly between the Labour Party and Progress Party.[39]

The secretary general of the Norwegian chapter of Transparency International, Guro Slettemark, commented on this case and other contemporaneous conflict-of-interest cases involving other Norwegian ministers, Audun Lysbakken, Tora Aasland, Bjarne Håkon Hanssen and Liv Signe Navarsete, that in other countries these improprieties would usually be labeled corruption and that they contribute to undermine the popular trust in politicians and even in democracy.[40]

Alleged breach of sanctions against Iran

On 20 April 2012, media reported that a ship that was part-owned by Støre, had on two occasions in 2011 transported gas from an Iranian port that had been black-listed by the United States.[41]

Appointment of Tore Eriksen

In August 2012 the newspaper Verdens Gang reported that Jonas Gahr Støre had appointed his former colleague and alleged friend Tore Eriksen, a top bureaucrat, to a very lucrative job without publicly announcing the vacancy beforehand.[42][43] Eriksen along with his wife earned more than NOK 2.5 million in salary from the Norwegian government, which was said to be significantly higher than any other civil servant in public service and 50 percent higher than his predecessor. Additionally Eriksen received a NOK 500.000 tax-free increase due to him living abroad and a NOK 132.000 "spousal increase" due to him living with his wife.[44] Analysts called it "special treatment" due to "close relationships" between the political elite.[45] Labour union leader Anders Folkestad denounced Gahr Støre in the wake of the matter, as did the opposition Progress Party.[46]

Alleged breach of sanctions against Iran

On 20 April 2012, media reported that a ship that was part-owned by Støre, had on two occasions in 2011 transported gas from an Iranian port that had been black-listed by the United States.[47]

Appointment of Tore Eriksen

In August 2012 the newspaper Verdens Gang reported that Jonas Gahr Støre had appointed his former colleague and alleged friend Tore Eriksen, a top bureaucrat, to a very lucrative job without publicly announcing the vacancy beforehand.[48][49] Eriksen along with his wife earned more than NOK 2.5 million in salary from the Norwegian government, which was said to be significantly higher than any other civil servant in public service and 50 percent higher than his predecessor. Additionally Eriksen received a NOK 500.000 tax-free increase due to him living abroad and a NOK 132.000 "spousal increase" due to him living with his wife.[50] Analysts called it "special treatment" due to "close relationships" between the political elite.[51] Labour union leader Anders Folkestad denounced Gahr Støre in the wake of the matter, as did the opposition Progress Party.[52]

Hotel Serena attack

Main article: 2008 Kabul Serena Hotel attack

On 14 January 2008, a suicide bomber struck the Serena Hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan, where Støre was staying.[53] Støre was unhurt in the incident, which killed six people including Norwegian journalist Carsten Thomassen.[54] United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon stated that Støre was the target of the attack,[55] but this claim was rejected by a Taliban spokesperson.[56] Støre canceled the rest of his visit to Afghanistan the day after the attack.[57]

2011 Norway attacks

Anders Behring Breivik, the perpetrator of the 2011 Norway attacks, stated that Støre was one of his main targets.[58]

Personal life

He is married with three sons.[59] One of his sons Vetle (born 1993), studied at Oslo Commerce School.[60]

Støre is a multi-millionaire, with a fortune of around NOK 40,000,000 (approx. US$6,800,000 in 2008).[61][62][63] He owns 25% of the family-owned company Trestø and part of Femstø, another company owned by the Støre family. Trestø has a 5% share in the company Clipper Skagen DA and a 1% share in Clipper Viking DA. Both companies are run by Solvang ASA and own three LNG carriers, Clipper Harald, Clipper Viking and Clipper Skagen.[64]

References

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  2. ^ http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/norsk-politikk/artikkel.php?artid=10017928
  3. ^ http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=10043826
  4. ^ Grete Knudsen: - Jeg kom aldri på godfot med Gro
  5. ^ Jonas Gahr Støre Store Norske Leksikon, retrieved 16 February 2013
  6. ^ Jonas Gahr Støre Store Norske Leksikon, retrieved 16 February 2013
  7. ^ a b c d e http://www.adressa.no/nyheter/innenriks/article1153888.ece
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  9. ^ a b Naravane, Vaiju (29 March 2012). "CWS won't be swayed by diplomatic pressure". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 3 April 2012.
  10. ^ a b Berglund, Nina (26 March 2012). "Foreign Minister under attack". Views and News from Norway. Retrieved 3 April 2012.
  11. ^ Haugan, Bjørn; Ertesvåg, Frank; Gillesvik, Kjetil (19 April 2012). "- Tschudi-saken har svekket Støres ledersjanser". VG (in Norwegian). Retrieved 19 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ http://www.tv2.no/nyheter/innenriks/-stoere-er-overlegen-og-arrogant-3365406.html
  13. ^ Lilleås, Heidi Schei; Berge, Jørgen (14 December 2010). "USA: - Støre tror han er smartere enn de fleste". Nettavisen (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ Lilleås, Heidi Schei (26 March 2012). "- Støre oppfører seg som Solkongen". Nettavisen (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ "Flere avsløringer om Støre og Tschudi". Nettavisen (in Norwegian). 21 March 2012. Retrieved 23 March 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ a b c Sørenes, Kjetil Magne; Kristiansen, Bjørn S.; Aurdal, Martine (20 March 2012). "Dette er en god mann. Det må dere få med". Dagbladet (in Norwegian). Retrieved 3 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ Tjersland, Jonas; Haugan, Bjørn; Ertesvåg, Frank; Nervik, Stein (23 March 2012). "Støre og Tschudi feirer 17. mai og nyttår sammen". Verdens Gang (in Norwegian). Retrieved 23 March 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Sørenes, Kjetil Magne (17 April 2012). "Ga millionstøtte uten søknad". Dagbladet (in Norwegian). Retrieved 17 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Gustavsen, Øyvind (20 March 2012). "UD ga millioner til Støre-venns stiftelse". Verdens Gang (in Norwegian). Retrieved 23 March 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ a b Bergsaker, Tore; Sørenes, Kjetil Magne; Kristiansen, Bjørn S. (1 April 2012). "- Forutsetningen for dette har vært et allmennyttig formål om å løfte kunnskap". Dagbladet (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  21. ^ a b c Gustavsen, Øyvind (20 March 2012). "Støre-støtte skal granskes av Stortinget". Verdens Gang (in Norwegian). Retrieved 23 March 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ a b c d Sørenes, Kjetil Magne (29 March 2012). "Ernst og Young ga råd til Støre:- Kan gi økonomisk fordel for Tschudi Shipping Company". Dagbladet (in Norwegian). Retrieved 29 March 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ a b "– UD-tildeling kan ha gitt Tschudi økonomisk fordel" (in Norwegian). NRK. NTB. 29 March 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ a b Nervik, Stein; Haugan, Bjørn (30 March 2012). "Tschudi-dokumenter forsvunnet". VG (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ a b Steffensen, Christian; Eriksrud, Aslak M.; Kirkevold, Fredrik (30 March 2012). "Støre-venn forsket på egen gruve" (in Norwegian). TV 2. Retrieved 3 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) Cite error: The named reference "TV 2_2012-03-30" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  26. ^ a b Barstad, Stine (20 March 2012). "- Underlig at han ikke tar selvkritikk". Aftenposten (in Norwegian). Retrieved 23 March 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ a b Berglund, Nina (26 March 2012). "Foreign Minister under attack". Views and News from Norway. Retrieved 28 March 2012.
  28. ^ Aaserud, Sophie Lund (28 March 2012). "Frykter Støre er i utakt om habilitet" (in Norwegian). TV 2. Retrieved 28 March 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ Tjersland, Jonas; Haugan, Bjørn; Nervik, Stein; Ertesvåg, Frank (24 March 2012). "Jusprofessor snur i Støre-saken". Verdens Gang (in Norwegian). Retrieved 10 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  30. ^ Sørenes, Kjetil Magne (10 April 2012). "- Vanlig for Støre å stå på sitt". Dagbladet (in Norwegian). Retrieved 10 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ Gustavsen, Øyvind (21 March 2012). "Stoltenberg har tillit til Støres vurderinger". Verdens Gang (in Norwegian). Retrieved 13 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ a b Prestegård, Sofie; Sørenes, Kjetil Magne; Lode, Veslemøy (12 April 2012). "- Støre er utenriksminister og Ap-mann. Lysbakken var ingen av delene". Dagbladet (in Norwegian). Retrieved 13 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  33. ^ a b c Sørenes, Kjetil Magne; Prestegård, Sofie (14 April 2012). "Åpner for ny vurdering i Stortinget". Dagbladet (in Norwegian). Retrieved 14 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) Cite error: The named reference "Dagbladet_2012-04-14" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  34. ^ a b Sørenes, Kjetil Magne; Aurdal, Martine (15 April 2012). "UD møtte med Tschudi først". Dagbladet (in Norwegian). Retrieved 15 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) Cite error: The named reference "Dagbladet_2012-04-15" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  35. ^ Isaksen, Lisbeth (4 May 2012). "Venn i vekst". Dagbladet. p. 73. Støre/Tschudi:"; 'I forkant av tildelingen til opprettelse av et Senter for nordområdelogistikk, tildelte UD mange millioner til opprettelse av Barentsinstituttet, et forskningsinstitutt som ble etablert i 2006 i Kirkenes. Blant de mange oppgavene instituttet fikk, var forskning innenfor ressursutnyttelse, handel og logistikk over nasjonale grenser i nordområdene, bare for å referere noe. I perioden der Tschudi var delaktig i søknad og sørget for at rederiforbundet fikk penger, ble ikke denne søknaden koblet opp mot Barentsinstituttet. I dag eies Barentsinstituttet av Universitetet i Tromsø.'; 'Støre ble, før Senter for nordområdelogistikk ble etablert, presentert lokale løsninger for opprettelse av et senter i Kirkenes. For å styrke fagmiljø med interesse for nordområdene og grenserelasjoner, kunne allerede eksisterende kompetansemiljø vært samordnet og koordinert'; 'Presentasjonen ga ikke gjenklang hos Støre den gang. Så ble Senter for nordområdelogistikk etablert. Hvorfor prioriteringene ble som de ble, kan bare Støre svare for, men det er liten tvil om at han har en venn i vekst i nord.'
  36. ^ Hirsti, Kristine (17 April 2012). "Støre må møte i kontrollkomiteen" (in Norwegian). NRK. Retrieved 18 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  37. ^ Hofoss, Espen (7 May 2012). "Ikke mistillit mot Støre. Det blir ikke noe mistillitsforslag mot utenriksminister Jonas Gahr Støre etter dagens høring. Men opposisjonen kaller Støre selvgod og mener han har utvist dårlig skjønn". Aftenposten (in Norwegian). {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  38. ^ "Frp om Tschudi-saken: Hakket under mistillit". Vårt Land. NTB. 22 May 2012. Archived from the original on 29 May 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  39. ^ Karlsen, Kirsten; Sørenes, Kjetil Magne (29 May 2012). "- Støre har feilinformert". Dagbladet. Archived from the original on 29 May 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  40. ^ Therkelsen, Håvard (2 April 2012). "Vil vekke politikerne". Dagsavisen (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  41. ^ Tjersland, Jonas (20 April 2012). "Støre i Iran-skvis. Flere havner i Iran ble svartelistet, men et av "Støre-skipene" fortsatte å frakte gass ut fra en av de omstridte havnene" (in Norwegian). E24 Næringsliv. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  42. ^ http://www.dn.no/forsiden/politikkSamfunn/article2449461.ece
  43. ^ http://www.dagsavisen.no/samfunn/store-fikset-millionlonn-til-eks-kollega/
  44. ^ Glomnes, Lars (09.08.2012). "Jonas Gahr Støre ga eks-kollega superlønn". Vg.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 10.08.2012. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  45. ^ Jacobsen, Fridtjof (2012). "Nøysomhet i praksis". Meninger (in Norwegian). Vg.no. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  46. ^ Glomnes, Lars (09.08.2012). "Staten fører to typer lønnspolitikk". Vg.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 10.08.2012. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  47. ^ Tjersland, Jonas (20 April 2012). "Støre i Iran-skvis. Flere havner i Iran ble svartelistet, men et av "Støre-skipene" fortsatte å frakte gass ut fra en av de omstridte havnene" (in Norwegian). E24 Næringsliv. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  48. ^ http://www.dn.no/forsiden/politikkSamfunn/article2449461.ece
  49. ^ http://www.dagsavisen.no/samfunn/store-fikset-millionlonn-til-eks-kollega/
  50. ^ Glomnes, Lars (09.08.2012). "Jonas Gahr Støre ga eks-kollega superlønn". Vg.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 10.08.2012. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  51. ^ Jacobsen, Fridtjof (2012). "Nøysomhet i praksis". Meninger (in Norwegian). Vg.no. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  52. ^ Glomnes, Lars (09.08.2012). "Staten fører to typer lønnspolitikk". Vg.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 10.08.2012. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  53. ^ Taleban attack Kabul luxury hotel, BBC News, 14 January 2008. Retrieved 14 January 2008.
  54. ^ Bombeangrep mot Støres hotell, Aftenposten, 14 January 2008. Retrieved 14 January 2008.
  55. ^ FNs generalsekretær: - Støre var målet, Aftenposten, 14 January 2008. Retrieved 14 January 2008.
  56. ^ Taliban: - Støre var ikke målet, VG Nett, 14 January 2008. Retrieved 14 January 2008.
  57. ^ VG: Støre trolig hjem til Norge etter terrorangrepet, published 14 January 2008 Template:No icon
  58. ^ Brustad, Line (18 November 2011). "Breiviks hovedmål: Gro, Jonas og Eskil". Dagbladet.
  59. ^ Hallgeir Opedal: Internasjonal samlivsterapeut Dagbladet, 10 July 2013
  60. ^ Grønneberg, Anders. "Her blir Jonas Gahr Støre parodiert av sønnen Vetle (18) på skolerevy". Dagbladet.no. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  61. ^ "Sjekk skattelistene–Jonas Gahr Støre (2009)". Kjendis.no. Archived from the original on 18 April 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  62. ^ Jensen, Christine (17 October 2005). "Mangemillionær som utenriksminister". VG (in Norwegian). Retrieved 18 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  63. ^ Krekling, David Vojislav (21 October 2009). "Her taper Grete Faremo 14,4 millioner kroner" (in Norwegian). NRK. Archived from the original on 24 October 2009. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  64. ^ "Støre får Høyre-refs for ikke å ha oppgitt eierskap". Aftenposten (in Norwegian). NTB. 18 April 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
Non-profit organization positions
Preceded by Secretary General of the Norwegian Red Cross
2003–2005 		Succeeded by

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