Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on Friday that the relationships between prominent Norwegians and the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein must be fully investigated, and that Norway must contribute to clarifying the matter in every possible way.
The statement comes after the publication of millions of documents revealing that diplomats, senior politicians and members of royalty had extensive contact with Epstein. The disclosures have prompted public shock even though those named have denied any involvement with Epstein's crimes.
"I think it has been quite shocking for people to get this insight into this world and the connection between people with power. And how it has affected people without power, who have been abused and subjected to assault," Stoere told public broadcaster NRK. "As prime minister, I have a responsibility to speak clearly about this. And that we, in every way now, contribute to the matter being clarified," he added in what was his first extended interview since the release of the latest files.
Norway's parliament has announced a rare external inquiry into the foreign ministry's link to Epstein, a move intended to examine institutional ties and responsibilities. Simultaneously, law enforcement authorities are pursuing criminal probes: police searches and questioning have focused on a diplomat couple and a former prime minister, and the investigations are described by authorities as active and ongoing.
International organisations with Norwegian connections have also taken steps. The World Economic Forum has initiated an independent investigation into its Norwegian chief executive, and members of the royal family have faced scrutiny: Crown Princess Mette-Marit has offered an apology for her friendship with Epstein.
On Friday, the Norwegian Library Association said it would suspend its collaboration with its patron, the crown princess, until the palace provides a full account of her ties to Epstein. "We have been informed that it will take time before a comprehensive account is made available," the association said in a statement, stressing that as an interest organisation for the library sector, values such as democracy, trust and safety are important to safeguard.
The royal palace did not immediately reply to a request for comment, according to officials monitoring the developments.
Police action this week included searches of the homes of Thorbjoern Jagland, a former prime minister, foreign minister, leader of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and former head of the Council of Europe. Authorities said Jagland was questioned on suspicion of aggravated corruption. Jagland told investigators he looked forward to helping clarify the situation.
Law enforcement also questioned Mona Juul, a senior diplomat credited in earlier years with playing a role in establishing the back channel between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization that led to the 1993-1995 Oslo Accords, about her links with Epstein. Juul, who is under suspicion of aggravated corruption, has said she did not commit any crime.
These developments follow similar political responses elsewhere: like his British counterpart Keir Starmer, Stoere is addressing voter concerns stirred by the documents' release and the revelations of contacts between Epstein and people in positions of influence.
The unfolding inquiries and police investigations have prompted organisations and public figures to seek greater transparency. Authorities and institutions have signalled they will pursue both fact-finding and legal avenues where relevant, while some organisations have paused public collaborations until fuller accounts are provided.