Norwegian Prime Minister penalised for violating COVID-19 protocols

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg on Friday was penalised for breaking COVID-19 protocols while organising a gathering in late February at a mountain resort to celebrate her birthday. She was fined 20,000 Norwegian crowns ($2,352), told Norwegian police in a news conference.

The prime minister apologised for the turn out of the event for her 60th birthday last month that had 13 family members in the gathering, despite having a government ban on social gatherings of more than 10 people.

Also read | Irish PM warns of ‘spiral’ as unrest simmers in Northern Ireland

“Though the law is the same for all, all are not equal in front of the law”, said police chief Ole Saeverud, justifying the penalty. “It is therefore correct to issue a fine in order to uphold the general public’s trust in the rules on social restrictions”.

Police said that Solberg along with her husband, Sindre Finnes made the decision to organise the celebration and picked the resort, with Finnes taking charge of the necessary arrangements.

Also read | Want to be paid for travelling this summer? Visit this European country

Finnes was not penalised despite the police stating that he had broken the law as well. The restaurant that hosted the celebration was found to have violated the law but was not fined.

“Solberg is the country’s leader and she has been at the forefront of the restrictions imposed to limit the spread of the virus,” said Saeverud. 

Also read | Guns and silence to mark Prince Philip’s death

The prime minister’s office was not available to voice a reaction immediately. The prime minister will be facing a parliament election in September and has been at the forefront in dissolving the outbreak of coronavirus by imposing restrictions and strict rules.