A 400,000 kroner stone head of a historical figure initially given as a farewell gift has been withdrawn by the National Library of Norway following criticism.
Aslak Sira Myhre, the outgoing National Librarian of Norway, received a farewell gift in the form of a stone head representing the medieval king Magnus Lagabøte, costing 400,000 kroner. The gift was presented at the National Library's Christmas party and was intended to symbolize a grand farewell to Myhre, who has served in this significant cultural role. The revelation of the gift sparked interest and discussions on social media, particularly after Myhre himself shared his excitement about the gift on Facebook, posting a picture of himself beside the large stone head.
However, following inquiries made by local media outlet Bergens Tidende about the appropriateness of the expensive gift, the National Library reconsidered its decision and decided to withdraw the gift. This decision indicates a sensitivity to public perception regarding government spending, especially for non-essential items. The incident also highlights the ongoing discussions in Norway about cultural representation, public spending, and the responsibilities of public institutions when it comes to the use of taxpayers' money.
The withdrawal of the gift raises questions about transparency and accountability in institutions like the National Library, as they navigate the balance between celebrating outgoing officials and ensuring that their actions align with public interests. This situation may lead to further scrutiny of similar practices in other institutions and could prompt discussions on setting clearer guidelines for farewell gifts within the public sector in Norway.
