Former Norwegian Prime Minister Under Scrutiny Over Promoting Husband’s Company

Former Norwegian Prime Minister Under Scrutiny Over Promoting Husband’s Company

Erna Solberg’s Controversial Promotion of Wallenius Wilhelmsen

The former Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, is under scrutiny over allegations of promoting a company in which her husband, Sindre Finnes, held substantial shares. The company at the center of the controversy is Wallenius Wilhelmsen, a global shipping firm. Solberg recorded a promotional video for the company, extolling the launch of a wind-powered freight ship as an “important, green, and innovative project”.

It is reported that Solberg was aware of her husband’s share ownership in the company at the time she made the video. However, she refutes the idea that her husband’s investment in the company represented a financial tie that should have deterred her from filming the video.

The Controversy Over Solberg’s Video

The controversy ignited from Solberg’s video predominantly revolves around the question of her impartiality. It is alleged that she possibly agreed to make the video because she was asked to emphasize a specific initiative towards a greener shift in shipping. She also stated that she does not believe her brief video greeting would have significantly impacted the company’s value.

Finnes reportedly engaged in active trading of Wallenius Wilhelmsen shares during Solberg’s tenure as Prime Minister. By the end of 2020, he owned shares in the company worth 88,000 kroner. From the beginning of January to the end of February 2021, he significantly increased his stake in the company.

Implications for Solberg’s Past Government Decisions

This development has led to questions about Solberg’s impartiality in several matters her government handled while she was Prime Minister. The Control Committee in the Parliament has now asked for a written explanation from Solberg regarding the share issue.

It is important to note that there is currently no indication that Finnes engaged in insider trading. His legal representative stated that Finnes is willing to provide all relevant facts to the authorities investigating the case, but cautioned that the process will take time.

Impact on Norwegian Political Landscape

The cases of Solberg and another powerful woman in Norwegian politics, Anniken Huitfeldt, facing similar issues, are seen as damaging the reputation of Norwegian politics. Rasmus Hansson, a lawmaker for the Green Party, has urged both women to resign to protect the integrity of the political landscape. The pressure is mounting on Solberg, who led the country for two terms from 2013 to 2021, during which her husband reportedly made more than 3,600 share deals.

However, Solberg maintains her stand, claiming that she had no reason to believe that Finnes was deceiving her, and added that her husband cannot engage in share trading if she becomes Prime Minister again. She also expressed her willingness to continue as party leader but acknowledged that the final decision rests with the party.

Gender Equality and Sexism in Norwegian Politics

While Norway is considered to have a high degree of gender equality, the current situation highlights the existence of sexism, particularly concerning the husbands of powerful women. The stereotype-busting image of Solberg being too busy running the country to worry about what her husband was doing at home has prompted laughter in some quarters and criticism in others.

The situation underscores the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the world of politics, highlighting the need for continued efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and equality in all aspects of public life.