– Økokrim must open a case and look at Sindre Finne’s many stock exchange operations. It is clear here that there are red flags for insider trading that must be investigated, says lawyer Eva Joly. According to Joly, Økokrim must look at both Sindre Finnes’ responsibility and Erna Solberg’s responsibility. – There is negligent insider trading, which is also prohibited. Head of Økokrim Pål Lønseth tells news that they are considering whether there is a reasonable reason to investigate the share purchases of Sindre Finnes. – There must be some form of indication of criminal circumstances before we open an investigation, Lønseth explains. Joly is known as a corruption hunter and former politician. In 2013, she was the presidential candidate for the French environmental party Europe écologie – Les verts. She has also expressed her support for the Green Party here in Norway. The Conservative Party has had the opportunity to respond to Joly’s criticism. They have not responded to the inquiry yet. Different rules The well-known corruption hunter believes Erna Solberg should step down as party leader in order to preserve trust in democracy. But she believes there is a great willingness to forgive Solberg after the revelations about Sindre Finnes’ many share purchases. – I think that is dangerous, because things have happened and there must be consequences. If it doesn’t, it means that society is divided, she asserts. Joly cites the NAV scandal as an example. She believes that society is divided in two, where ordinary people go to prison for social security errors. The then prime minister meets Rune Halseth, who was affected by NAV, after the hearing on the social security scandal in the Storting’s control and constitution committee back in 2020. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB – They are very strict there. There are also those up there, i.e. the international elite, who make a living from stock market speculation. They are never held accountable. She says Norwegian society is built on equality and community. If the case against Solberg is not followed up, there will be a breach of community rules. – Everyone can read, everyone can see, and it doesn’t help to use spin doctors to manage to get away from the hard facts to emotionally charged considerations. Solberg’s responsibility Joly also criticizes politicians and the party’s use of communications advisers and spin doctors, and believes that politicians do not communicate their real feelings related to issues. – It is to communicate the history that has been built up, and here it is clear that it was only a small, narrow path that was possible for Erna if she wanted to continue as a politician, she says. Erna Solberg and her husband Sindre Finnes will be at the Nobel award ceremony back in 2022. Photo: Rodrigo Freitas / NTB According to Joly, Erna Solberg and Høyre’s story is that the party leader had no responsibility for the share purchases. And that it is Sindre Finnes’ fault. – This story is not enough, because it cannot explain away Erna’s personal responsibility as Prime Minister, where she is responsible for controlling not only what the ministers do, but also what those closest to her do.
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Thinks Erna Solberg must step down as leader of the Conservative Party
