Statsforvalteren

Statsforvalteren, historically known as fylkesmannen, is the state’s representative in a Norwegian county. The office is led by the Statsforvalteren and functions as the link between the central government and regional authorities, including municipalities. Its primary role is to ensure that national policies, laws and regulations are implemented in the county and to coordinate state administration across municipal and county authorities.

The Statsforvalteren’s responsibilities include representing the central government in the county, supervising and guiding state activities to ensure compliance with laws, and providing information and guidance to municipalities and residents. The office also handles certain complaints and appeals related to central government decisions that affect the county, and it participates in matters such as civil protection and emergency preparedness, environmental policy, and planning in cooperation with national agencies.

Appointment and organization: the Statsforvalteren is appointed by the King in Council for a six-year term and heads the County Governor’s Office. The office operates within the national administrative framework and is based in the county’s administrative center, serving as the central government’s presence in the region.

History and naming: the role has historical roots in the office of fylkesmannen. In recent years, the title was updated to Statsforvalteren as part of language reforms to adopt a gender-neutral terminology, while preserving the same core functions of representing the state at the county level.