section_path: First career in Norwegian politics (1990 – 2013)/Policies as Prime Minister
section_name: Policies as Prime Minister
paragraph_text: Policies as Prime Minister
  
  Stoltenberg has been described as a cautious politician, belonging to the right wing of social democracy.
  
  When he became prime minister in 2000, he was portrayed as the "Norwegian Tony Blair ", and his policies were inspired by Blair's New Labour agenda. Stoltenberg said he was both inspired by and wanted to learn from Blair's policies. After election defeat in 2001, he reoriented towards a more traditional line of close cooperation with trade unions.
  
  In security policy, Stoltenberg favours increased military spending and dialogue.