Jonas Gahr Støre refuses to appoint an independent committee to review the Foreign Service, as requested by, among others, the Progress Party (FrP).

Sylvi Listhaug says she is astonished by the decision. She insists that an external investigation is essential if the public is to have confidence in the outcome.

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide says they are examining Mona Juul’s conduct and activities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD) is also looking into the support provided to Terje Rød-Larsen’s institute.

Listhaug warns that more may come to light and therefore calls for an independent group to examine the entire complex of issues.

The Liberal Party (Venstre) leader Guri Melby agrees with Listhaug: an internal review is not enough. “This matter is far too serious for the Labour Party (Ap) to handle the investigation itself.”

“This case goes beyond UD alone—it concerns our national security,” Melby says. “The party involved in a matter should not be the one investigating itself,” she adds firmly.