The Storting is awaiting new Epstein responses
The Storting's control and constitutional committee will wait to send new questions to the government until the Foreign Ministry has answered existing inquiries.
The Storting's control and constitutional committee, led by Per-Willy Amundsen of the Progress Party, has decided to postpone sending further questions to the government regarding the Epstein matter. This decision comes as the committee awaits responses from the Foreign Ministry to 29 questions posed, of which only nine have been answered so far. The remaining responses are expected by March 10th. The committee’s cautious approach underlines the importance of obtaining complete answers before moving forward with additional queries.
Amundsen has expressed dissatisfaction with the responses that have been received, particularly regarding the one question directed to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. He described the response as inadequate, implying that it lacks the depth necessary for a matter of such significance. This sentiment indicates a potential for further scrutiny from the committee, as it seeks to ensure thorough accountability and transparency in the government's handling of the Epstein case.
Moreover, the committee has not yet made decisions about the mandate or composition of the external investigation that the Storting intends to set up. Upcoming hearings are anticipated to include former foreign ministers, suggesting that the investigation will involve key figures who were in office during critical periods of the Epstein-related issues. This ongoing process reflects the Storting's commitment to examining the matter comprehensively and fostering public trust in parliamentary oversight.