11 Norwegian ministers face parliamentary questioning over Epstein-linked revelations

Norway’s parliament is set to question 11 current and former ministers over issues surrounding the country’s Foreign Ministry that came to light following the release of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

The two-day hearing is scheduled to begin on Wednesday.

The parliamentary control committee will examine what government officials knew about Foreign Ministry practices, including funding provided to the International Peace Institute (IPI), a think tank previously led by Terje Rod-Larsen, who had a documented association with Epstein.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who served as foreign minister from 2005 to 2012, is among those called to testify.

Committee chair Per-Willy Amundsen has described the information revealed so far as concerning, while acknowledging that the two-day hearing will not be enough to establish the full picture. 

Former Foreign Minister Borge Brende is also expected to face questions over his contact with Epstein and his previous and subsequent roles at the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Committee member Lars Haltbrekken has said he intends to examine whether Brende’s WEF position had any bearing on his work as foreign minister.

The Foreign Ministry entered into an agreement with the WEF in 2015 during Brende’s tenure, with the organisation later receiving funding from Norway’s development aid budget.

The parliamentary hearing is taking place alongside the broader independent inquiry, which is expected to continue until 2028.