Stoltenberg says his government will resign

Following the presentation in the Storting (Parliament) of the state budget for 2014, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg this morning asked for the floor to state that his government will tender its resignation in an extraordinary session of the Council of State at the Royal Palace today at 13.00:

«Mr. President,

The general elections of 9 September and the subsequent agreement between the Liberal Party, the Christian Democratic Party, the Progress Party and the Conservative Party, had the result that there now exists a parliamentary basis for a government representing the Conservative Party and the Progress Party.

I will therefore today tender my government’s resignation, in a session of the Council of State.

I will advise His Majesty the King to approach the leader of the Conservative Party, Erna Solberg, as she is the prime minister candidate for the Conservative Party and the Progress Party that are prepared to form a government».

To the editor:
At 14.00 today Prime Minister Stoltenberg holds a press conference on his government’s application to resign and the coming change of government, in the Press Room at Government Guest House. Press with press cards may enter at Riddervolds gate 2 from 13.00.

There is no press availability in the Palace grounds after today’s session of the Council of State. This will be on the day when the change of government will take place.

We will be back with details on the change of government in a press release this afternoon.

 

Press contact: Head of Communication Trude Måseide, mobile 957 26 510.