Epstein Scandal Shakes Norway: Parliament Establishes Special Investigative Commission
Norway’s parliament (Stortinget) has unanimously voted to establish an independent investigative commission to examine the connections between the country’s Foreign Ministry and deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision follows the release of the “Epstein Files” by the US Department of Justice, which has triggered significant upheaval among Norway’s highest echelons.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed his solidarity with Epstein’s victims and emphasised that wealth should not be used to purchase influence. “The files clearly demonstrate that it is possible to buy and abuse influence if you are sufficiently wealthy,” Støre stated in his remarks before the vote on Tuesday.
The scandal has ensnared several key Norwegian figures, including former Prime Ministers, former Foreign Ministers, and members of the royal family.
A primary focus of the investigation concerns Mona Juul, former Norwegian Ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, and her husband Terje Rød-Larsen, both key diplomats behind the 1993–1995 Oslo Accords. The couple is suspected of receiving a USD 10 million inheritance from Epstein for their two children. Norway’s anti-corruption police, Økokrim, is currently investigating both on suspicion of serious corruption.
Thorbjørn Jagland, a former Prime Minister and former chair of the Nobel Committee, is also under investigation on similar charges. Meanwhile, Børge Brende, a former Foreign Minister, has resigned from his position as President of the World Economic Forum (WEF) following the emergence of his name in the documents.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit has also come under scrutiny and now faces public pressure to explain her long-standing relationship with the American donor.
The investigative commission will examine not only the personal contacts of officials with Epstein, but also Norway’s campaigns for top positions in international organisations and the use of development assistance funds.
Per-Willy Amundsen, chair of parliament’s oversight committee, stressed that the case strikes at the foundation of public trust in state administration. “This case raises serious questions about contact with criminals and corruption within the administration. If this is documented, it could cause permanent damage to public trust. Therefore, this case requires extraordinary measures to restore that trust,” Amundsen stated.
Prime Minister Støre added that transparency is vital to Norwegian democracy, particularly amid an uncertain global situation. Whilst defending the overall performance of the Foreign Ministry, he agreed that any errors must be fully clarified so that the truth is revealed to the public.