Frederik Stang

Frederik Stang (4 March 1808 – 8 June 1884) was a Norwegian lawyer, public servant, and politician who served as Norway's first prime minister in Christiana.

In addition to improving the road network, harbors, canals, and lighthouses, he was in great measure responsible for Norway and Scandinavia's first railroad, from Oslo to Eidsvoll.

His time as a political leader was characterized by considerable discord within the Norwegian parliament and between Norway and the Swedish government.

After the viceroy position had been vacant for some time, the post of prime minister for Norway was instituted in 1873, and Stang was appointed.

In spite of efforts to reconcile opposing political forces, his party was reduced to a minority position during his tenure.

In a gesture of spite, the parliament cut his pension in half in 1881; the citizens of Oslo raised money to make up for the shortfall, and he donated this to a foundation to advance the study of law.

Frederik Stang. portrait by Johan Gørbitz
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