It is easy to get associations with the mountain that gave birth to a mouse when the Storting sat for the exam in the exercise “criticism of its own”. After having overshadowed Norwegian politics for as long as a normal pregnancy, the Storting itself had to pass a kind of political judgment on the many breaches of competence among Norwegian ministers. Little tension left The Control and Constitution Committee is the tool that the people’s representatives in the Storting have to control the sitting government. It is an exaggeration to say that most people held their breath in suspense. The air has long since gone out of the balloon. No matter how much explosive material there is in a case, it is almost more the rule than the exception that the final treatment in the Control Committee is met with nothing but a shrug of the shoulders. One of the reasons is probably that after a while readers and viewers get their dose of stock traders, competency cases and law professors with serious eyes. The little that was left of excitement today was primarily linked to how strong criticism the various politicians would receive. The control committee presented its conclusions on Wednesday. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB It was only in one case that the politicians managed to come together on two lines during the answer: A unanimous committee (which included the Conservative Party) strongly criticized Conservative Party leader Erna Solberg. Even if the justification, the tens of pages of comments relating to the Solberg case, show that the parties nevertheless assess the case very differently. The red-green parties use far more serious words about Solberg’s deeds than the Conservative Party. Moral winner – or loser When it comes to Labor ministers Tonje Brenna and Anniken Huitfeldt, the parties are divided. The red-green parties content themselves with a milder form of criticism of their own, while the Conservative Party and FRP believe that they also deserve strong criticism. The right appears both as a moral winner and as a loser – depending on the eyes that see. As the only party, they have promoted strong criticism of their own party leader. Others will object that it is not surprising that the Conservative Party promotes strong criticism of Solberg without it affecting the party’s confidence in her as party leader and candidate for prime minister. Paradoxically, it is precisely with Erna Solberg that the road back to the top seems shortest. The Conservatives did not take many seconds to forgive their party leader, and have gradually gained support from KrF. The Liberals and FRP are currently keeping their cards close to their chests, but it seems highly unlikely that it would be the conclusions from the control committee that stand in the way of supporting Solberg as prime minister. In that case, there are probably more party tactical assessments behind it. Venstres Grunde Almeland has been the case mayor. The aim has been to have the most united Storting possible. Photo: ISMAIL BURAK AKKAN / news The voters also seem to have forgiven Erna Solberg. If today’s polls turn out to be similar to the election results, the way back to the prime minister’s residence is open to Erna Solberg. And her husband Sindre Finnes. Therefore, it is perhaps not surprising that many people ask what significance the control committee’s conclusions really have. Beyond a few scratches in the paint that political opponents can bring up when it suits them. Støre’s hybrid reasoning Several parties compare Huitfeldt’s and Solberg’s case. They were both unknowingly incompetent due to the husbands’ share trading, but the extent to which they should have been investigated and understood is assessed differently. Huitfeldt’s exit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was a strange sight. For several weeks, Prime Minister Støre had full confidence in his minister. Only when the Solberg case appeared did this seem to change. When Huitfeldt had to resign after six weeks, it was partly justified by the share issue and political trust. It was perhaps a lucky choice for Støre’s government, but whether the move was suitable for restoring confidence in politics is more doubtful. Towards the end of the week, Huitfeldt will most likely be appointed to the prestigious job of Norway’s ambassador in Washington. Still unanswered questions What seems most unresolved is the criticism of Labor Minister Tonje Brenna (Ap). The seriousness of her case is described in very different terms. Just before the control committee entered the stage to deliver its conclusions, Dagens Næringsliv published a case showing that Brenna had been made aware that she gave millions of dollars in support to Utøya, despite the fact that she was incompetent. While Ap claims that this is not new, Frp asks if Brenna has withheld information. Several parties have indicated that their conclusions may change in the run-up to parliamentary consideration next week. Jonas Gahr Støre tells news that he still has full confidence in his minister Tonje Brenna, even though several parties are considering intensifying their criticism. Photo: Alf Simensen / news Biggest consequences, least criticism For two of the former ministers, the cases have already had major consequences. Anette Trettebergstuen (Ap) and Ola Borten Moe (Sp) both had to resign. They therefore escape criticism from the control committee other than in the form of comments. Perhaps it is a meager consolation, not least when the Conservative Party casts doubt on whether Borten Moe was actually incompetent. In any case, the pressure they both have by being under investigation by Økokrim hardly outweighs it. Can leave a mark Fortunately, it is neither media attention nor popular involvement that will govern the consequences of politicians’ mistakes and breaches of trust. Although it receives only a fraction of the attention of the politician scandals, it is at the system level that the control committee’s work can really leave a mark. It is also the only area where the politicians seem to be completely colourblind. Frode Jakobsen is Ap’s man in the control committee. Photo: Anders Fehn / news The committee criticizes both the Støre and Solberg governments for poor routines and a lack of awareness of competence. In addition, there have been widely varying practices between the various ministries. The training doesn’t get many praises either. It became clear during the hearing in the committee when all of Støre’s ministers (minus Brenna) pointed to unclear rules. In several areas, the committee has gathered on specific proposals to improve routines and change practice. At best, it can reduce the losses. And help to strengthen trust in politicians in the long term. Not even the world’s best routines can completely eliminate human error and poor judgement. But it helps.
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Ugly scratches in the paint, restoration of trust or just a shrug? – Speech
