Jan Balstad facts for kids
Jan Balstad was born on November 16, 1937, in Oslo, Norway. He is a well-known Norwegian leader for workers and a politician. He was part of the Labour Party. From 1988 to 1989, he served as the Minister of Trade and Shipping Affairs. This important role was part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Who is Jan Balstad?
Jan Balstad is a person who has spent his life working for the people of Norway. He is known for two main things. First, he was a strong leader for workers' rights. Second, he was an important politician. He helped make decisions for the country.
Early Life and Career
Jan Balstad grew up in Oslo, the capital city of Norway. He was born in 1937. As he grew older, he became interested in helping people. He wanted to make sure workers were treated fairly. This led him to a career in public service.
Leading Workers' Rights
One of Jan Balstad's main roles was being a "labour leader." This means he worked to improve conditions for people who have jobs. He was a leader for the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions. This is a very large group in Norway. It brings together many different worker organizations. Their goal is to protect workers' rights. They also work to get fair pay and good working conditions. Balstad helped speak up for many workers.
A Role in Government
Jan Balstad also became a politician. He joined the Norwegian Labour Party. This political party often focuses on helping workers and making society more equal. Politicians in Norway work to create laws and policies. These policies affect everyone in the country.
What is a Minister?
In a government, a "minister" is a very important job. A minister leads a specific part of the government. They are in charge of a "ministry." This is like a department. Ministers help the country's leader make big decisions. They also make sure their department runs smoothly.
Trade and Shipping Explained
Jan Balstad was the Minister of Trade and Shipping Affairs. This job involved two main areas. "Trade" means how Norway buys and sells goods with other countries. It's about business and money moving across borders. "Shipping" is about boats and ships. It includes how goods are transported by sea. It also covers how Norway's ships operate around the world. This role was part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This ministry handles Norway's relationships with other nations. So, Balstad helped manage Norway's business and shipping connections with the rest of the world.
