Sources within the German government indicate that Jens Stoltenberg will no longer be assuming the leadership role of the Munich Security Conference (MSC). The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reports this development, citing governmental circles.
Stoltenberg was initially selected to succeed Christoph Heusgen as the conference’s chairperson following his departure from the position of NATO Secretary General. However, his appointment was complicated in February when he was called upon to serve as Finance Minister in Oslo amidst a governmental crisis. Following the recent election victory of the Social Democratic Party and subsequent cabinet adjustments, Stoltenberg remains in his ministerial role.
While leadership within the MSC had previously expressed optimism regarding Stoltenberg’s ability to take on the position, the government sources now suggest a reassessment is underway. Benedikt Franke and Rainer Rudolph are currently leading the organization on an interim basis. The selection of a permanent successor for Heusgen remains unresolved, according to these governmental sources.