Women majority in reshuffled Norwegian govt.

Oslo - Women took the majority in the reshuffled Norwegian government on Friday, after the country’s Oil and Energy minister resigned, the prime minister’s office announced.

Energy Minister Odd Roger Enoksen, of the Centre Party, resigned on Friday for personal reasons and will be replaced by party colleague, Aaslaug Marie Haga, the current Municipal and Regional Affairs minister, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg told a press conference.

The fact that Enoksen was replaced by a woman means that the new government will be made up of 10 women and nine men.

Women are in a majority for the first time in the history of the country, the prime minister’s office said.

The Oil and Energy portfolio is one of the most important Cabinet posts in Norway, as the country is the world’s fifth-largest exporter of oil and third-largest exporter of natural gas.

Enoksen, who held the post for two years, made it clear in recent months, that he wanted to spend more time with his family based in the north of the country.

Haga will be replaced by another female Centre Party member, Magnhild Meltveit Kleppa.

The Centre Party is a junior member of the three-party coalition with the Socialist Left and Stoltenberg’s Labour Party.

The record for representation of women in government is held by Finland with 12 women out of 20 government members.