Following the Conservative faction’s victory in the 2013 election, Lien was appointed minister of petroleum and energy in Erna Solberg's Cabinet.
On 20 December 2016, he was succeeded by Terje Søviknes as minister of petroleum and energy in a cabinet reshuffle. Lien stated that he stepped down in order to take care of his family, notably that his wife had drawn the line for his job as minister. He had originally intended to stay on until at least the 2017 election.[2]
Other
In 1994, Lien was involved in a serious road accident and was sentenced to 40 days prison for speeding and traffic violations.[3]
Personal life
Lien is married to Kristin Reitstøen, with whom he has two daughters.[4][5]