Kjell Magne Bondevik

Kjell Magne Bondevik (born September 3, 1947) is a Norwegian Lutheran minister and politician, and the current Prime Minister of Norway. His present cabinet, a coalition between the Christian Democratic Party, the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party, was appointed October 19, 2001, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg. He also served in this position from October 17, 1997 to March 3, 2000, in a coalition consisting of the Christian Democratic Party, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party. However, Bondevik was defeated in the 2005 parliamentary election, with 81 seats obtained for Bondevik's coalition and its supporters to the opposition Red-Green Coalition's 88. Bondevik has admitted defeat; he will act as caretaker until the new Cabinet, most likely with Stoltenberg as prime minister, is formed.

Related Topics:
September 3 - 1947 - Norwegian - Lutheran - Minister - Politician - Prime Minister of Norway - Coalition - Christian Democratic Party - Conservative Party - Liberal Party - October 19 - 2001 - Jens Stoltenberg - October 17 - 1997 - March 3 - 2000 - Coalition - Centre Party - 2005 parliamentary election - Red-Green Coalition - Caretaker

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Bondevik was born in Molde, Norway. He became a theological candidate from the Norwegian Lutheran School of Theology (formerly known as the Free Faculty of Theology) in 1975. In 1979 he was ordained as pastor in the (Lutheran) Norwegian State Church. He is married to Bjørg Bondevik (born Rasmussen), and has three children.

Related Topics:
Molde - Theological - Norwegian Lutheran School of Theology - 1975 - 1979 - Norwegian State Church

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Representing the Christian Democratic Party, Bondevik has been a member of the Storting (Parliament) since 1973. He was his party's parliamentary leader in the periods of 1981–1983, 1986–1989, 1993–1997, 1997 and 2000–2001, and party leader from 1983 to 1995. In this position, he was succeeded by Valgerd Svarstad Haugland. Bondevik was also Minister of Foreign Affairs in Jan P. Syse's government of 1989–1990, Minister of Church and Education in Kåre Willoch's government 1983–1986, also Prime Minister Willoch's deputy 1985–1986, and state secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister during Lars Korvald's government 1972–1973.

Related Topics:
Storting - 1973 - 1981 - 1983 - 1986 - 1989 - 1993 - 1997 - 2000 - 2001 - 1995 - Valgerd Svarstad Haugland - Minister of Foreign Affairs - Jan P. Syse - 1990 - Minister of Church and Education - Kåre Willoch - 1985 - State secretary - Lars Korvald - 1972

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While serving his first term as Prime Minister, Bondevik attracted international attention in August 1998 when he admitted that he was suffering from depression, becoming the highest ranking world leader to admit to suffering from a mental problem while in office. Upon this revelation, Anne Enger Lahnstein became acting Prime Minister for three weeks, from August 30 to September 23, while he treated the depression. Bondevik then returned to office.

Related Topics:
August - 1998 - Depression - Leader - Mental problem - Anne Enger Lahnstein - August 30 - September 23

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In 2004 he was accused of being a member of the Fellowship Foundation, but continues to deny these claims.

Related Topics:
2004 - Fellowship Foundation

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Bondevik was awarded the Grand Cross of St. Olav in 2004, the first sitting Norwegian Prime Minister to receive the Order of St. Olav in 80 years. This represents a breach of a long tradition between prime ministers not to accept the Order by the ruling Monarch while being active politicians. Famous Norwegian politicians who have declined to accept the Order include former Prime Ministers Gro Harlem Brundtland and Einar Gerhardsen. Members of Bondevik's government who have been awarded the Order of St. Olav in breach of a 80-year tradition for active Norwegian politicians not to accept the Order are: Bondevik awarded the Grand Cross, Foreign Minister Jan Petersen (H) awarded Commander with Star, the Ministers Dagfinn Høybråten (KrF), Valgerd Svarstad Haugland (KrF), Hilde Frafjord Johnson (KrF), Lars Sponheim (V) and Odd Einar Dørum V) were all awarded the Commander of the Order of St. Olav.

Related Topics:
Gro Harlem Brundtland - Einar Gerhardsen

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