For three decades she was one of APS’s most powerful politicians – as former AUF leader and minister in several governments. The highlight of her career came when she became foreign minister two years ago. But last week it was over. Anniken Huitfeldt (Ap) is back as a parliamentary representative after she had to resign on Monday last week. The reason for the departure is, among other things, the ongoing competency case against him. On Monday, Anniken Huitfeldt (Ap) had to hand over the keys to her office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the incoming foreign minister, Espen Barth Eide (Ap). Photo: Gorm Kallestad / NTB The Prime Minister has made no secret of the fact that Huitfeldt left against his will. In the first interview she gives after leaving, she confirms it: – I wanted to continue, but it is the prime minister who decides who will sit in government. Then I will of course correct myself accordingly. – But did it come as a surprise to you? – I have no comment on that, but you must always be prepared for the fact that things don’t always go as planned. And then I have my permanent seat here at the Storting, and am very happy to continue. It is the first time Anniken Huitfeldt (Ap) meets the press after she had to resign as foreign minister. Photo: Gunnar Bratthammer / news Disagreement in the foundation grant to Støre Huitfeldt is now leader of Labor’s faction in the business committee in the Storting. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) has given several reasons why Huitfeldt had to leave. In addition to the fact that a new generation of young politicians will enter the government, the issues of buying and selling shares and qualifications have also been part of the ground-breaking process. Anniken Huitfeldt (Ap) left the ministry immediately after the key handover to the incoming foreign minister, and did not wish to answer questions from the press. Photo: Lars Nehru Sand / news Støre also said that the processing of the competency case will last until next year, and that the demanding world situation requires a foreign minister who can spend all his time on the ministerial job. – What do you think about the land grant to Støre? – I have said that I do not agree with the constitution, but it is his responsibility to put together the government. – What part of the foundation do you agree with? – So, I have no desire to enter into a public discussion about what is Støre’s privilege. Støre tells news that he thinks Huitfeldt has done a very good job as foreign minister. – I have said all along that I believe Anniken in this case. At the same time, we agree that the case is serious, and it is now in the Control and Constitution Committee. Trust is not something we achieve once and for all, but something we must take care of all the time – and take responsibility for, he says. – It is my responsibility as Prime Minister to take this seriously and do what is necessary. Anniken’s departure opens the way for new forces to enter the government, while at the same time Anniken contributed important experience to the Storting. Anniken Huitfeldt (Ap) received a hug from the Prime Minister when she returned to the Storting last week. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB – Trust is important Recently, several members of the government and politicians have been involved in integrity cases. This has led to several ministers having to leave in recent months. Facts about the integrity cases Education Minister Tonje Brenna (Ap) admitted on 20 June to having broken the government’s integrity rules by appointing a friend to a board position in the Wergeland Centre, a foundation which is largely financed by the Ministry of Education. Culture and Equality Minister Anette Trettebergstuen (Ap) resigned from Støre’s government on 23 June after admitting to having broken the rules of competence by appointing friends to important positions. As Minister for Research and Higher Education, Ola Borten Moe (Sp) admitted on 21 July to having broken the government’s integrity rules by purchasing shares in the arms and technology group Kongsberg Gruppen. He resigned both as a minister and SP deputy leader. Former Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt’s (Ap) husband has bought and sold shares, including in the arms manufacturer Kongsberg Gruppen, while she has been a minister. Huitfeldt has not fulfilled her duty according to the rules of competence to obtain information about her husband’s financial activities, according to the legal department in the Ministry of Justice. Former prime minister Erna Solberg’s (H) husband Sindre Finnes has admitted to having bought and sold shares on a large scale while Solberg was prime minister. She herself claims that she was unaware of the extent, but acknowledges that the rules of competence have been broken in several cases. (Sources: NTB/news) The competence of Høgre manager Erna Solberg has also been questioned after it became known that her husband bought and sold shares, without her knowing about it. Huitfeldt’s case has many similarities with Solberg’s case, but at the press conference last Monday, Støre underlined the differences. – We have been informed of and continue to receive ongoing information about the case of Erna Solberg linked to her husband’s purchase and sale of shares. The case has further weakened trust in us politicians. It has also contributed to the lack of calm surrounding Anniken’s case. Although Solberg’s case is far more extensive, they have fundamental similarities, said Støre. On Tuesday 7 November, the hearing on the competency cases in the Control and Constitution Committee starts. Huitfeldt says she is happy to be able to contribute and emphasizes that it is important that people have confidence in the politicians. – Tonje Brenna is someone who you yourself proposed as deputy leader and is the only one left of the government members against whom there has been a competency case. What do you think about it? – I think that it is the prime minister who decides who sits in a government, and no one else but him can decide on that. Anniken Huitfeldt (Ap) says she is happy to be back at the parliament. Photo: Gunnar Bratthammer / news – Will it now be easier for the Labor Party to criticize Erna Solberg’s case, when you have resigned as foreign minister? – I have no comment on that. I will answer what concerns my case in an open and honest way to the control committee, but I have also answered all possible questions that I have received. – Do you feel that you have been a victim of a strategic choice? – I have no comments as to why I have left the government. Take responsibility When asked how she will stand for re-election to the Storting in 2025, she replies that she has not yet decided on that. – I’ll have to look at that later. I have not yet made up my mind about it. – The Labor Party is no longer Norway’s largest party. Whose responsibility is it? – It is everyone’s responsibility. I have had a central seat in the Labor Party for 25 years, and I have had a seat on the national board since 1994. So everyone must take responsibility for that.
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Anniken Huitfeldt speaks out for the first time after her departure – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
