PM Støre comments on Enoksen’s resignation: “Necessary decision”

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (AP) says that the ministerial candidates were thoroughly investigated, despite the latest controversy surrounding Odd Roger Enoksen. 

Minister of Defense Odd Roger Enoksen (SP) resigned on Saturday. He confirmed and apologized for having a sexual relationship with a young woman in the 2000s. Støre and the Center Party did not know about the case last autumn.

Støre says that Enoksen received a clear message that he had to resign after the case became known on Saturday. Enoksen himself also thought he should do that, Støre noted.

“It is a necessary decision in line with what has emerged in this case. I have made it clear to Enoksen,” Støre said at a press conference during the weekend.

“Must tell the truth”

The Prime Minister was asked several questions about whether the background checks of possible ministers last year were good enough. The Labor Party’s Hadia Tajik also had to resign recently as a result of the commuter housing controversy.

“There are in-depth talks with relevant ministers before they are appointed. Questions are asked about conditions that may affect whether they are suitable as a minister. At the bottom of those conversations, it must be a prerequisite that people tell the truth and share matters that are important for us to know,” Støre said.

Støre made it clear that he believes Enoksen should have notified him and SP leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum about this matter. 

Prime Minister Støre believes that Enoksen withheld information. 

Will go through routines

Støre nevertheless warns that the vetting process must now be reviewed.

“The basic responsibility lies with the person in question. We have to go through those routines, but we ask thorough questions. My experience is that the questions that have been asked are very thorough, but we have to go through those routines,” Støre added.

“I think that the questions we ask are very clear, but they depend on comprehensive, sincere, and honest answers. That has not happened in this case,” Støre stated.

The Prime Minister says that he will find a new Minister of Defense as soon as possible. 

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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