Finn Gustavsen facts for kids
Finn Gustavsen (born 1926, died 2005) was a Norwegian politician. He was active from 1945 to the late 1970s. He was known for his strong beliefs. He often took different stands from others.
Early Life and Beginnings in Politics
Finn Gustavsen grew up in Drammen, Norway. His father worked as a store manager. Finn first worked in factories in Horten and Holmestrand.
In 1945, he joined the youth group of the Norwegian Labour Party. He had just finished school. The next year, he became a reporter. He wrote for a local socialist newspaper. He then worked for the Labour Party's national youth magazine. He also helped start a magazine called Orienteering. This magazine discussed world politics. It became a voice for a group within the Labour Party. This group had different ideas.
Political Career and Parliament
In 1961, Gustavsen left the Labour Party. He then helped create a new party. It was called Sosialistisk Folkeparti (SF). He was immediately elected to the Norwegian Parliament from Oslo. He served as a member of Parliament for SF. He was also a member for its later party, Sosialistisk Venstreparti.
When the Labour Party lost its majority, Gustavsen's party became very important. The Labour government needed his party's support. This was to avoid losing votes of no confidence.
In 1963, Gustavsen decided to vote against the Labour government. This happened during the Kings Bay Affair. This led to a new, short-lived government. It was led by John Lyng. This event was very important for Norwegian politics.
Later Life and Legacy
Gustavsen was strongly linked to his party. But he tried to avoid being the only face of it. He chose not to run for re-election twice. He had to be asked to take on leadership roles again.
He was strongly against Norway joining the European Union. He also did not want an alliance with the Norwegian Communist Party. He shared information about Norway's plans. These plans involved building Loran C facilities. These facilities would support submarine warfare.
In 1977, he left politics. He took a job with the Norwegian Development Agency. He worked as their representative in Mozambique. He also went back to journalism. He became an editor for the party newspaper Ny Tid.
