The article raises questions about the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' (UD) revolving door practice, particularly in light of recent revelations regarding Norwegian connections to Jeffrey Epstein. This situation prompts a wider examination of whether UD has blurred the lines between political leadership and civil service to the extent that it complicates adherence to professional assessments and regulations. Such ambiguity might help explain why the Ministry appears to have violated established administrative principles.

A distinct characteristic of UDs operations is the frequent interchange between civil servants and political leaders. Unlike other governmental departments where such transitions are rare, it is not uncommon for officials to be appointed as state secretaries and then return to the civil service. This practice puts at risk one of the fundamental principles of Norwegian governance, which is the clear separation of politics and administration. The intertwining of these roles can potentially undermine the integrity of decision-making processes within the ministry.

The implications of this revolving door practice are significant, especially in the context of maintaining trust and transparency within governmental institutions. If distinctions between political directives and administrative duties become murky, it could lead to questionable governance and increased public skepticism towards governmental operations. Consequently, there is a growing call for reform to reinforce the separation of powers within the Ministry, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries to protect both the political framework and the integrity of the civil service.