20 October 2023 at 12:09 Støre about Vestre’s integrity case: – Has something gone wrong Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre says he has spoken to Minister of Business Jan Christian Vestre about the minister’s integrity case. Støre says it is right for Vestre to ask for a minister of state in the appointment matter. Hege Sandvik, who is a friend of the Minister of Industry, has on three occasions been given interim leadership positions in the Ministry of Industry and Fisheries while Vestre sat as a minister. – There have been mistakes in this case in the past, and it is unfortunate. Jan Christian is open about what has happened, and as soon as the case landed on his table he asked for a minister of state to ensure that this case is handled in an orderly manner, says Støre to news. He says the different cases are different, but that they must learn from all of them. – In general, the competency cases have shown that there is a need to strengthen and clarify guidelines and routines. We have already made a number of changes, and it has been absolutely necessary, says Støre. – It is natural that we evaluate our routines and guidelines in the future as well. Vestre says he himself became aware that Sandvik had on several occasions been acting and acting department director in the ministry on 5 October. The ministry will now appoint a new head of department, and Vestre has therefore asked for a minister of state to be appointed during this matter. It will be Fisheries and Oceans Minister Cecilie Myrseth. Sandvik has worked in the ministry since 2014, before Vestre became a minister.
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