Norwegian Economy – Who Really Calls the Shots?
Is it the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the central bank or perhaps Donald Trump who runs the Norwegian economy? Or is it rather the unpredictable hand of the market that really decides – in an uneasy alliance with capitalists and trade unions?
There is little to complain about. Unemployment is low, activity levels are high, and NOK 20,000 billion is neatly invested in international capital markets. But, as is well known, no sky is completely cloudless. Inflation remains persistent, interest rates stay high and wage settlements follow suit. At the same time, public spending is increasing, while productivity growth remains weak and competitiveness is under pressure.
The Norwegian economy is also increasingly affected by factors beyond national borders – from geopolitical turmoil and unpredictable energy prices to potentially large fluctuations in the capital markets.
What can be done – and who is really in charge? During the KÅKÅnomics Conference 2026, leading researchers and decision-makers will come together to discuss interest rates, risk and the real economy – and how the Norwegian economy is actually governed in a time of international uncertainty.
Host: Kjetil Alstadheim, Political Editor at Aftenposten
Participants:
- Jens Stoltenberg, Minister of Finance (Labour Party)
- Nejra Macic, Chief Economist at NHO
- Ole Christian Bech Moen, Director of the Monetary Policy Department, Norges Bank
- John Hassler, Professor of Economics at Stockholm University
- And more …
