Feb. 10—As further confirmation of EIR’s documentation that it is the economic crisis which is driving the rush to war with Russia and China, the Norwegian Central Bank announced on Feb. 4 that the new head of the nation’s Central Bank will be the current NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, one of the most belligerent of the Western leaders preparing for war with Russia and China.

Stoltenberg finishes his term as NATO chief on October 1, and will switch over to his new job as central banker, where he will undoubtedly continue his mobilization for war. He will also be in charge of the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund—$1.4 trillion.

Stoltenberg was the leader of Norway’s Labor Party, was Norwegian prime minister from 2000-01 and 2005-13 before becoming NATO chief the following year. He has also been finance minister and energy minister.

Reuters reports that former finance minister Siv Jensen, in office from 2013 to 2020, last month urged Stoltenberg to withdraw from the process, arguing that his appointment would damage the central bank’s credibility and reputation. The deputy head of Norway’s main opposition Conservative Party, Tina Bru, had also argued against Stoltenberg’s candidacy, calling it unwise to appoint him.