Mona Juul finished as ambassador – retains her job in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Mona Juul has stepped down as ambassador due to serious lapses in judgment related to her connections with Jeffrey Epstein, but will remain employed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Norway.
Mona Juul, the former ambassador of Norway, has resigned from her ambassadorial position following serious concerns regarding her judgment, especially due to her connections with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Norwegian Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, highlighted that Juul's ties to Epstein presented a severe lack of judgment, which undermines the necessary trust required for her role. He emphasized that this decision was made after discussions with the Ministry throughout the week and deemed necessary to ensure the integrity of the position.
Eide expressed his shock regarding the revelations that have surfaced in this case, indicating that the depth of the issues related to Juul's conduct was significant. He rated the degree of procedural violations as a critical factor in determining the future decisions regarding her position within the government. This highlights the sensitivity of appointments in foreign affairs and the scrutiny they face, especially when linked to individuals of questionable morality.
Despite her departure from the ambassador role, Juul will retain her position within the Ministry, indicating a level of support from the ministry amidst the controversy. This situation raises questions about the culture within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the standards expected of its employees. The Foreign Minister denied that this incident unveiled a broader issue within the Ministry, insisting that appropriate measures are being maintained.