Christian August Selmer

Christian Selmer MP
2nd Prime Minister of Norway in Christiania
In office 1880–1884
Monarch	Oscar II
Preceded by	Frederik Stang
Succeeded by	Christian Homann Schweigaard
Personal details
Born	Christian August Selmer (1816-11-16)16 November 1816 Fredrikshald, Østfold, Norway
Died	Bygdøy (now in Oslo)
Nationality	Norwegian
Political party	Conservative Party
Spouse(s)	Anna Sylvia Leganger
Occupation	Politician
Profession	clerck
Religion	Church of Norway

Christian August Selmer (16 November 1816 – 1 September 1889, at Bygdøy) was a Norwegian politician who served as a member of the Norwegian parliament, minister of defense, minister of justice, and prime minister. He was the second prime minister to serve in Christiania (Oslo).

Selmer's record as prime minister was characterized by conflict over whether members of the cabinet were required to appear in parliament to answer questions. He influenced King Oscar II to reject efforts at a compromise, setting the stage for impeachment proceedings in 1883 to 1884. Selmer was convicted and removed from office.

It was subsequently found that Selmer had conspired with the king to overrule the impeachment results, institute unlimited veto rights for the king, and use force against any resulting insurrection.

References

• Biography at the Norwegian government's website
• http://www.snl.no/Christian_Selmer

Political offices
Preceded by Frederik Stang	Prime Minister of Norway 1880–1884	Succeeded by Christian Homann Schweigaard