Norway launches Epstein probe amid push to rebuild trust in government

Norway launched an investigation into the Epstein controversy on Wednesday in a bid to rebuild public trust and restore faith in democracy.

According to the head of the Norwegian parliament’s oversight committee, the recently released Epstein files have eroded Norway’s faith in democracy.

An independent commission has started the probe after the Norwegian parliament voted unanimously last month to set up a commission for this purpose.

The commission will look into more than 30 years old data, including 1993-95 Oslo accords and examine relationships between Epstein and former and current Norwegian politicians and civil servants. The motive behind this probe will be to uncover consequences for “Norwegian interests and security.”

During the investigation, the commission will also look at finances, development aid and funding allocated to leadership positions during campaigning.

The commission will not investigate any matter related to crown princess Mette-Marit’s involvement with Epstein due to parliament’s lack of jurisdiction stipulated in the constitution.

Per-Willy Amundsen, the chair of the standing committee on scrutiny and constitutional affairs in parliament, which appointed the independent investigation into the Epstein files, said this investigation holds a significant importance as “Norwegians typically saw themselves as an open and democratic and well- functioning society without corruption”.

“So in a sense it has struck us very hard. And therefore we are completely dependent on having to try to build that trust again,” he said. “And therefore it is very important to have a completely independent commission that gets very free hands, protection by law, to find the facts and present them to the Storting [parliament],” he added.

While talking about the potential impacts of this probe on Norway’s international reputation, Amundsen said, “We have had this reputation internationally and this is a case that may change that view of Norway. But also, therefore, it is very important to find the facts and pursue the truth, to get that trust in the people, but also in foreign relations.”

Earlier this year in January, the US Department of Justice released more than 3 million Epstein documents exposing the disgraced late sex offender’s involvement in sexual crimes. The documents also sent shockwaves across the world, highlighting the extent of criminal activities and alleged involvement of notable figures