Introduction to press conference after sick leave

Let me first wish you all welcome! Some of you met me already this morning around 8. Many of you have asked for separate interview appointments, but I have chosen the most practical solution – to meet you all at this press conference.

It is good to be back, and to meet my political staff, the civil servants and all the other members of the staff at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The day opened with a meeting with my political staff, to bring me up to date and to prepare for today’s government conference. As usual, I also had a meeting with the Minister of Finance before the government conference.

In the government conference I had the opportunity to thank the Government - and in particular Anne Enger Lahnstein - for the excellent work they have carried out in my absence, under her leadership.

Over the last days, I have been in regular contact with the acting prime minister and with my office. In my absence the Government has been continuing its work according to plan. I am pleased to be able to resume my work on this basis.

As a leader, having an experience that felt like running into a brick wall, has changed me – as a human being and as a politician. I am among those life has so far treated well, even though in recent years I have also had strong experienc of loss and great sorrow in my family and among friends. In my political life, I have increasingly been entrusted with important tasks, and many would perhaps maintain I have mostly had an easy time of it. This has not always been the case, although I must say I have been relatively lucky. I have had a strong constitution and I have been able to carry a heavy workload and withstand strong pressure. I did not see many reasons to limit my activities. In a way, I felt I had unlimited capacity. Naturally, I did not.

When I became prime minister, I continued in this same to a great extent. I knew that this job would be more strenuous and would carry with it more responsibility than my other leadership positions. There are numerous tasks while problems and perspectives are continually shifting. But since I had not experienced any lack of capacity before, I did not sufficiently limit the volume of my activities. My strength was gradually being tapped more than I realised. As a result, I did not have the energy I needed to meet the challenges that emerged in late summer.

When I was put on sick leave three and a half weeks ago, the reason was simply that my strength was gone. I had a depressive reaction, as our press release stated.

I chose to publish my doctor’s diagnosis. I am certain that my decision was right. I hope this has helped to de-mystify something which is fairly common, but which many people have problems talking openly about. I have had several letters from people telling me that my openness has helped them. Maybe it has also contributed to the debate on the boundaries between what is public and what is private, and on what kind of dilemma this often represents for politicians and other leaders, and for the press itself.

During these past weeks I have learnt a lesson about my own and other people’s reactions. In my case, this experience has luckily been of a passing nature. Still, it has given me a certain understanding of the pain that others may be carrying with them throughout an entire life.

Even those of us who are blessed with a large working capacity, must realise that we cannot exploit ourselves relentlessly in the long run. If our strength and energy is drained, we no longer have what we need to do what we are set to do.

I was quickly offered the professional help that I needed. My very best support has been my closest family – my wife and our children. I am also grateful to political colleagues who have expressed understanding and encouragement. And I am overwhelmed by the many warm and caring greetings that I have received from home and abroad, from people I know and from people I have never met. I am deeply grateful for it all.

Let me finally say something about what I have learnt during my illness, as a human being and as a politician.

As a human being I have learnt a lesson about what a refined instrument the human body and soul is. As prime minister I have learnt a lesson about the need to set limits.

I want to continue my open and accessible attitude, but at the same time ration my energy more effectively.

As for my energy, I feel it is now back. I know there are tough tasks awaiting. I am looking forward to starting work again. The Government will present a budget which is adapted to the present economic situation. This calls for restrictive measures. This will not be popular in all circles. But it is a responsible budget, and it is a contribution towards bringing interest rates down and towards safeguarding and developing our welfare society. In the time ahead, I will devote time and energy to this task. And I call upon all parties in the Storting to act responsibly and to be cooperative.

The Government is also facing a number of other challenges. This will be evident in the Speech from the Throne and in the coming list of Government matters for the Storting.

Concerning other parts of the Government’s policy, let me just briefly mention the following:

We will improve health services on the basis of our plans to reform cancer care, psychiatric care and the purchase of equipment. We will propose an increase in the efforts to strengthen rural districts. We will propose environmental and energy policies that are consistent with our commitments at the Kyoto Conference. We will pursue a family policy focusing on care and freedom of choice. And we are happy to observe that the Human Values Commission has already become a catalyst for numerous and extensive dialogues and activities in schools, firms, organisations et cetera. This is just to mention a few areas.

This Government has already achieved a great deal. New tasks are awaiting.

On this basis I will – with humility and honesty - continue my work as prime minister.