Seventeen years in the office of Prime Minister of Norway defined the career of Einar Gerhardsen, a central figure in the post-war reconstruction of the country. Born in 1897 in Asker, he rose from his roots as a municipal road worker to lead the Labour Party from 1945 until 1965, becoming the longest-serving head of government in the nation's parliamentary history.
Early Activism and Imprisonment
Gerhardsen engaged with the socialist movement during the 1920s while working for the Public Roads Administration. He joined the Left Communist Youth League and participated in a 1924 military strike action, which resulted in a 75-day prison sentence. Over the subsequent decade, his political trajectory shifted toward democratic socialism. By 1932, he held a seat on the Oslo city council, and in 1938, he attained the position of deputy mayor.
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During the German occupation of Norway in 1940, Gerhardsen acted as Chairman of the Labour Party following the exile of Oscar Torp. Briefly serving as Mayor of Oslo in August 1940, he was soon forced out by the occupation authorities. He joined the resistance movement but faced constant surveillance. Arrested on 11 September 1941, he endured interrogation and torture at the Gestapo headquarters at Victoria Terrasse before being sent to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp in Germany in 1942. He returned to Grini concentration camp in 1944 until the war concluded.
Domestic Reform and Foreign Alignment
As Prime Minister, Gerhardsen presided over the implementation of a comprehensive social security state. Legislative milestones included the 1946 State Housing Bank Law, the 1946 Child Allowances Law, and the 1956 Sickness Insurance Law. His administration also oversaw the 1957 introduction of universal basic pensions. Externally, he aligned Norway with Western interests, notably leading the nation as a founding member of NATO in 1949 and denouncing domestic communists in his 1948 Kråkerøy speech.
Final Years and Legacy
Gerhardsen served as President of the Storting between 1954 and 1955. His final tenure as Prime Minister ended in 1965, coinciding with the conclusion of his party leadership. His civic contributions were recognized with the Medal of St. Hallvard in 1970, the Peer Gynt Literary Award in 1971, and the Medal for Outstanding Civic Service in 1972. He died in Oslo in 1987 and was interred at Vestre gravlund.
Fast facts
- Born: 1897, Asker
- Died: 1987, Oslo
- Labour Party Leader: 1945-1965
- Prime Minister Tenure: 1945-1951, 1955-1963, 1963-1965
- Spouse: Werna Julie Koren Christie
- Prisoner: Sachsenhausen concentration camp
Questions readers ask
How long was Einar Gerhardsen Prime Minister?
He served as Prime Minister of Norway for a total of 17 years across three distinct periods.
What was his background before entering national politics?
He worked as a road worker and served as a municipal employee and mayor of Oslo.
Achievements
- Prime Minister of Norway (1945–1951)
- member of the Parliament of Norway (1945–1950)
- Prime Minister of Norway (1955–1963)
- Prime Minister of Norway (1963–1965)
- Medal for Outstanding Civic Service — 1972
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George — 1955
- Medal of St. Hallvard — 1970