Johannes Steen's First Government

6. March 1891–2. May 1893

Liberal Party (V)

Johannes Steen’s First Government was appointed by King Oscar II in a session of the Council of State on 6 March 1891, effective as of the same day. It succeded Emil Stang’s First Government, as the Storting majority had voted that the office as Swedish-Norwegian foreign minister should be open to Norwegian citizens

In a session of the Council of State on 29 June 1892, Johannes Steen’s First Government handed in its resignation, as King Oscar II refused to sanction a Storting resolution that Norway should have its separate consular service. After an unanimous request by the Storting on 26 July 1892, the Government withdrew its resignation in a session of the Council of State on 27 July 1892.

In a session of the Council of State on 22 April 1893, Johannes Steen's First Government again handed in its resignation, due to King Oscar II's continued refusal to sanction the bill on a separate Norwegian consular service. Permission to leave was granted by King Oscar II in a session of the Council of State on 2 May 1893, effective as of the same day at 3 p.m. At the same time, Emil Stang’s Second Government was appointed, effective as of the same point of time.

More about Norway’s Council of State during the Union with Sweden.

Secretary to the Council of State in this period:

In Kristiania
State Secretary Halfdan Lehmann

In Stockholm
Director General Hans Schlytter

About the Government

Prime Minister:
Johannes Wilhelm Christian Steen (V)
Parliamentary basis:
One-party government
Appointment reason:
Change after government crisis
Resignation reason:
Change after government crisis
Parties in the Government:
Venstre (V)

Politicians