Norway is facing an unprecedented crisis of confidence after the release of nearly three million documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, revealing unexpected connections between the disgraced financier and some of the country’s most powerful figures, including the Crown Princess and a former prime minister.
The revelations have sparked outrage in a society that prides itself on transparency and public trust, prompting investigations, public apologies, and calls for an independent inquiry.
Intimate Emails With Crown Princess Mette-Marit
Among the most striking disclosures are hundreds of emails exchanged between Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Epstein between 2011 and 2014. The messages, described by Norwegian media as unusually warm and personal in tone, were sent years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.
The Crown Princess issued a public apology last week, acknowledging her past association with Epstein.
“I deeply regret my friendship with Jeffrey Epstein,” she said in a statement, as the controversy continues to dominate public discourse.
Investigations Into Former PM and Senior Diplomats
Norwegian authorities have opened investigations into alleged aggravated corruption involving former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, as well as veteran diplomat Mona Juul and her husband Terje Rød-Larsen.
Jagland’s ties to Epstein are being scrutinised in relation to his roles as chair of the Nobel Committee and Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Meanwhile, the probe into Juul focuses on her contacts with Epstein during her tenure at Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before she became ambassador to the United Kingdom.
In Switzerland, the World Economic Forum has also announced an independent review of its CEO, former Norwegian foreign minister Børge Brende, who reportedly met Epstein several times in 2018 and 2019.
Elite Connections and Alleged Benefits
Media investigations suggest some of the individuals named may have benefited from their association with Epstein, although the nature of these benefits remains under scrutiny.
Several figures previously played down their relationships with Epstein but have since adopted a more apologetic tone following the release of the documents.
The scandal has prompted sharp commentary in Norway, with commentators questioning how deeply Epstein had penetrated the country’s political, diplomatic, and social elite.
Public Trust Under Strain
Norway is widely regarded as one of the least corrupt countries in the world, ranking fifth in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Public trust is considered a cornerstone of Scandinavian societies, influencing everything from voter participation to welfare systems and social cohesion.
However, a recent TV2 opinion poll found that 76.8 percent of Norwegians believe the Epstein revelations have weakened trust in the political system.
Political scientists say the scandal could expose vulnerabilities in Norway’s oversight mechanisms.
“Perhaps this high level of trust leads to less oversight and lower demands for accountability from elites,” said Staffan Kumlin, a professor at the University of Oslo.
Government Response and Calls for Inquiry
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has backed the creation of an independent parliamentary commission to investigate the nature of the ties between Epstein and Norway’s elite.
Experts believe the long-term impact on public trust will depend on how transparently the investigations are handled.
“People are indignant and angry because there has been a breach of trust,” said Halvard Leira of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs. “But everything will depend on how things are handled from here. If failures are addressed properly, trust could even be strengthened.”
A Nation Grappling With Accountability
The Epstein revelations have triggered a rare moment of national introspection in Norway, where favouritism is strongly frowned upon and equality is a core social value. The unfolding investigations could become a defining test of Norway’s commitment to transparency and accountability.