Per Borten, Norwegian lawyer and politician, 18th Prime Minister of Norway (b. 1913)

Per Borten (3 April 1913 – 20 January 2005) was a pivotal figure in Norwegian politics, serving as the 25th Prime Minister of Norway from 1965 to 1971. A prominent member of the Centre Party, Borten is widely credited for orchestrating the crucial modernization of what was originally known as Bondepartiet (the Agrarian Party) into the more broadly appealing Centre Party (Senterpartiet) we know today. His political career was marked by a steadfast commitment to agricultural and regional interests, alongside a strong and consistent opposition to Norway joining the European Union, a stance that would deeply influence the nation's political landscape for decades.

Early Life and Political Ascent

Born in Flå, a rural area within the municipality of Melhus in Sør-Trøndelag county, Per Borten's roots were firmly planted in the agrarian tradition. His academic background reinforced this foundation; he graduated as an Agriculturist from the prestigious Norwegian College of Agriculture in 1939. This specialized education provided him with a profound understanding of rural economy and life, which would later define much of his political philosophy.

From Local Governance to National Leadership

Borten's political journey began at the local level. He served as the mayor of his home municipality, Flå, from 1945 to 1955, gaining practical experience in public administration and community leadership. This period allowed him to build a strong local base and demonstrated his capacity for governance. His leadership qualities soon propelled him to national prominence. In 1949, he was elected to the Norwegian parliament, the Storting, where he remained a diligent representative until his retirement in 1977. During his extensive parliamentary tenure, Borten held several key positions, including President of the Odelsting – one of the two chambers of the Norwegian Parliament prior to the 2009 constitutional reform – from 1961 to 1965 and again from 1973 to 1977. Beyond his legislative roles, he also assumed significant party leadership, acting as the parliamentary leader for the Centre Party and serving as its chairman from 1955 to 1967, periods during which he effectively shaped the party's direction and national profile.

Prime Ministership and Key Policy Achievements

In 1965, Per Borten was appointed Prime Minister of Norway, marking a significant shift in Norwegian politics. His appointment signified the end of a long period of dominance by the Labour Party, which had largely governed Norway since the 1930s.

Leading a Landmark Coalition Government

As Prime Minister, Borten headed a four-party centre-right coalition government, an alliance comprising the Centre Party, the Liberal Party (Venstre), the Conservative Party (Høyre), and the Christian Democratic Party (Kristelig Folkeparti). This coalition, the first non-Labour government in three decades, faced the complex task of governing a rapidly modernizing nation. His premiership lasted until 17 March 1971, when the government ultimately dissolved itself amidst growing internal disagreements, primarily surrounding Norway's relationship with the European Economic Community (EEC).

The EEC Referendum and Resignation

The circumstances of Borten's resignation were directly linked to the contentious issue of Norway's potential membership in the EEC, the precursor to the European Union. He stepped down as Prime Minister after it became public knowledge that he had shown confidential information related to Norway's negotiation position concerning EEC membership. This sensitive information was reportedly shared with, among others, Arne Haugestad, who was then a prominent leader of the People's Movement against Norwegian Membership of the EEC (Folkebevegelsen mot norsk medlemskap i EEC). This leak, a major political scandal at the time, deeply undermined trust within his coalition and ultimately led to the government's collapse, highlighting the intense national debate surrounding European integration.

Progressive Reforms Under Borten's Leadership

Despite the challenging political climate and his eventual resignation, Per Borten's time as Prime Minister is remembered for the enactment of a range of significant and progressive social reforms that further solidified Norway's comprehensive welfare state. These landmark legislative changes had a lasting impact on Norwegian society:

• Earnings-Related Pensions (Folketrygden): Introduced in 1966, this reform established a more robust and equitable national insurance system, ensuring that pension benefits were linked to an individual's prior earnings, providing greater financial security for retirees.
• Improved Housing Finance: A June 1969 law empowered the Housing Bank to offer more accessible loans for the improvement and modernization of older dwellings, directly contributing to better living standards across the country.
• National Insurance Supplements: The Special Supplement to National Insurance Benefits Law, also enacted in June 1969, established a crucial safety net for individuals not entitled to supplementary pensions, ensuring a basic level of support. Complementing this, the Law on Compensation Supplement to National Insurance Benefits of December 1969 introduced a specific supplement designed to offset the economic impact of the newly introduced value-added tax (VAT) system, protecting vulnerable groups.
• Comprehensive Schooling Reform: The Basic Schooling Law of June 1969 was a transformative piece of legislation that formally introduced the 9-year comprehensive schooling system across Norway. This reform aimed to promote educational equality by providing all children with a unified and longer period of compulsory education, replacing the previous, more stratified system.
• Expanded Family Allowances: Under another law passed in 1969, family allowances, which provide financial support to families with children, were extended to include the first child under the age of 16. Furthermore, to address specific needs, single-parent families were granted an additional allowance on top of the standard child-based benefits, recognizing the unique challenges they faced.

Life After Politics and Enduring Legacy

Following his retirement from active politics in 1977, Per Borten remained a vocal and influential public figure. He continued to speak out passionately on issues that were close to his heart, including the crucial need for nuclear disarmament, concerns regarding clandestine surveillance of citizens, and the ongoing, often heated, controversy surrounding Norway's relationship with the European Union. His deep engagement with these topics underscored his commitment to national sovereignty and social justice even after leaving the political arena. He also lent his expertise to the financial sector, serving on the boards of several prominent public banking organizations. Throughout his life, Borten cultivated a distinctive reputation as an engaging and somewhat contrarian figure within the Norwegian political landscape, known for his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and speak his mind.

A Man of the People: Iconic Anecdotes

Per Borten's down-to-earth nature and unique character were often highlighted through memorable anecdotes that endeared him to the public. One particularly famous incident occurred in 1969 when the widely read Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet interviewed him at his farm. During this interview, conducted just days before Queen Elizabeth II was scheduled to visit the very same farm as part of a state visit to Norway, Borten was famously pictured wearing only a pair of shoes, a hat, and his swimming trunks. This informal, almost whimsical, image of the serving Prime Minister in his underwear quickly circulated worldwide. The British newspaper Daily Mirror famously printed the picture across two pages with the headline: "Now the Norwegian Prime Minister is ready to receive the Queen," humorously capturing the contrast between Borten's relaxed rural persona and the formality of statecraft. This moment perfectly encapsulated his reputation as a "peasant king" – a leader deeply connected to the common people, unafraid to defy political norms.

Another popular story that illustrates Borten's folksy charm and practical wit involves his Defence Minister, Otto Grieg Tidemand. After a private dinner, Tidemand presented his guests with a bottle of the finest vintage brandy. Without hesitation or a hint of pretension, Borten poured the exquisite brandy directly into his coffee, effortlessly concocting "karsk" – a traditional Norwegian alcoholic beverage, typically coffee mixed with spirits. This simple act not only highlighted his unpretentious nature but also reinforced his image as a man of the people, preferring traditional, familiar comforts over ostentatious displays.

Frequently Asked Questions about Per Borten

When was Per Borten Prime Minister of Norway?

Per Borten served as the 25th Prime Minister of Norway from 1965 to 1971, leading a four-party centre-right coalition government.

What was Per Borten's role in the Centre Party?

Per Borten is credited with modernizing the Bondepartiet (Agrarian Party) into the Centre Party (Senterpartiet) and served as its chairman from 1955 to 1967. He aimed to broaden the party's appeal beyond traditional farmers to encompass wider rural and regional interests.

Why did Per Borten resign as Prime Minister?

He resigned on March 17, 1971, after it became public that he had shown confidential information regarding Norway's negotiations for European Economic Community (EEC) membership to leaders of the anti-EEC movement, which created an untenable situation for his coalition government.

What were some key reforms during Per Borten's premiership?

During his time as Prime Minister, significant reforms included the introduction of earnings-related pensions (Folketrygden) in 1966, expanded Housing Bank loans, new National Insurance benefit supplements, the introduction of 9-year comprehensive schooling in 1969, and extended family allowances.

Was Per Borten against Norway joining the European Union?

Yes, Per Borten was a staunch and consistent opponent of Norway joining the European Union (then the European Economic Community), a stance that defined much of his political career and personal convictions.

Per Borten passed away at St. Olav's Hospital in Trondheim on 20 January 2005, at the age of 91. He was laid to rest at Flå Church in his home municipality of Melhus. His wife, Magnhild Borten, died the following year on 2 June 2006, aged 84.