Norway's finance minister provided reassurance about the Oil Fund's investment strategy during parliamentary questioning. The debate followed a temporary halt to company exclusions from the sovereign wealth fund.
Progress Party leader Sylvi Listhaug demanded guarantees against renewed battles over the fund's investments. She referred to the new parliamentary majority as "chaos comrades." Listhaug specifically named the Labor Party and its four partner parties.
Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg responded to the criticism during Wednesday's question time. He noted his familiarity with such characterizations from the political right. When Stoltenberg previously served as prime minister, his government was called "the red danger" by the same party.
The temporary suspension of exclusions allows for a comprehensive review process. Stoltenberg stated this creates opportunity to implement interim measures. These measures must not undermine the fund's global investment approach, he emphasized.
Stoltenberg gave Listhaug the specific assurance she requested. He committed to no future agreements contradicting Tuesday's parliamentary decision. The finance minister's pledge addresses concerns about budget negotiations affecting fund management.
Political observers note this exchange reflects ongoing tensions about Norway's massive sovereign wealth fund. The world's largest fund frequently faces political pressure regarding ethical investment boundaries.
What does this mean for Norway's Oil Fund investments? The temporary pause allows for strategic review while maintaining current investment approaches. The government appears committed to balancing ethical concerns with financial returns.