Reiulf Steen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Reiulf Steen
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| Norwegian Ambassador to Chile | |
| In office 4 September 1992 – 24 October 1996 |
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| Prime Minister | Gro Harlem Brundtland |
| Vice President of the Storting | |
| In office 9 October 1985 – 30 September 1989 |
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| President | Jo Benkow |
| Preceded by | Odvar Nordli |
| Succeeded by | Kirsti Kolle Grøndahl |
| Minister of Trade and Shipping | |
| In office 8 October 1979 – 4 February 1981 |
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| Prime Minister | Odvar Nordli |
| Preceded by | Hallvard Bakke |
| Succeeded by | Kari Gjesteby |
| Minister of Transport and Communications | |
| In office 17 March 1971 – 18 October 1972 |
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| Prime Minister | Trygve Bratteli |
| Preceded by | Håkon Kyllingmark |
| Succeeded by | John Austrheim |
| Leader of the Labour Party | |
| In office 1975–1981 |
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| Preceded by | Trygve Bratteli |
| Succeeded by | Gro Harlem Brundtland |
| Member of the Norwegian Parliament | |
| In office 1 October 1977 – 30 September 1993 |
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| Constituency | Oslo (1977-1985) Akershus (1985-1993) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 August 1933 Hurum, Norway |
| Died | 5 June 2014 (aged 80) Oslo, Norway |
| Nationality |  Norway |
| Political party | Labour Party |
| Spouse | Inés Vargas |
| Children | 4 |
| Profession | Journalist |
| Awards |  Order of Merit (Chile) Order of Bernardo O'Higgins Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo |
Reiulf Steen (born August 16, 1933 – died June 5, 2014) was an important Norwegian politician, writer, and ambassador. He was a key figure in the Norwegian Labour Party for many years, serving as its leader from 1975 to 1981. Steen also worked as a government minister and later as Norway's ambassador to Chile. He was known for his strong interest in international issues and his dedication to public service.
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Early Life and Career
Reiulf Steen was born in Hurum, Buskerud, Norway. His parents were Nils Steen and Astrid Karlsen. His father was involved in workers' rights and local politics.
Even at a young age, Reiulf showed an interest in politics. He was elected leader of a local Labour Party youth group when he was just 14 years old. Before becoming a full-time politician, he worked in a factory and as a journalist for a newspaper called Fremtiden.
Political Journey
Reiulf Steen joined politics in 1958 and quickly moved up in the Norwegian Labour Party. From 1961 to 1964, he led the Workers' Youth League, which is the youth organization of the Labour Party.
He became the deputy leader of the Labour Party in 1965 and then the main leader from 1975 to 1981. During his career, he held several important government jobs:
- He was the Minister of Transport from 1971 to 1972.
- He served as the Minister of Commerce and Trade from 1979 to 1981.
From 1977 to 1993, Steen was a member of the Norwegian Parliament, representing the areas of Oslo and Akershus.
International Work and Diplomacy
Reiulf Steen was also very active on the international stage. He was the vice president of the Socialist International from 1978 to 1983. This is a worldwide organization of social democratic, socialist, and labour parties.
He had a special interest in Latin America, especially Chile. He led a committee focused on Chile from 1975 to 1990. Because of his strong interest and knowledge, he was appointed Norway's ambassador to Chile in 1992. He served in this important diplomatic role until 1996.
Other Activities and Writings
Beyond his political roles, Reiulf Steen wrote articles for many of Norway's main newspapers. He wrote about both national and international topics.
He was also involved in several important organizations:
- He chaired the Norwegian branch of the European Movement from 1999 to 2001.
- He led Norsk Folkehjelp (Norwegian People's Aid) from 1999 to 2003.
- He was the head of the Norwegian branch of the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights from 1986 to 1992.
In his later years, he wrote books about his life and experiences, sharing his personal stories and thoughts on politics.
Family Life
Reiulf Steen was married twice. His first marriage was to Lis Fridholm in 1960. Later, in 1980, he married Inés Vargas.
He passed away on June 5, 2014. He was survived by his wife, his four children from his first marriage, and his step-family. His step-daughter is married to Raymond Johansen, who is also a Labour politician and served as the Governing Mayor of Oslo.
See also
In Spanish: Reiulf Steen para niños
- Gro Harlem Brundtland
- Trygve Bratteli
