Erna Solberg | Prime Minister Erna Solberg receives a fine of 20,000

First for the restaurant: If we had come across an incident like this while it was taking place, we would have clarified the regulations and, if necessary, given orders to end the event. A punitive response would only be considered if the event was carried out in a clearly contagious manner, or there was talk of a repeated violation. No previous incidents have been registered in connection with the infection control rules at Hallingstuene. Although serving the dinner party on Friday is considered to be above the limit for the person who is punishable, the case is dropped because it is not considered appropriate to give a corporate penalty.

As for Solberg and her husband, the investigation has shown that she participated in the decision about the event on Friday and parts of the planning, while he carried out most of the practical tasks. It is assumed that both have had roles that naturally fall under the term organizer as it must naturally be understood, and that both have thereby carried out or contributed to carrying out the event. As explained in the case against the restaurant, a violation such as this would primarily have been sought to be resolved with guidance, and not punishment. In the following, the assessments against each of them are explained.

For Sindre Finnes, as mentioned, it is assumed that he carried out the practical organizing tasks in connection with the event on Friday. These acts constitute a violation of the provisions of the regulations, but in our practice would not result in a penalty unless special circumstances dictate it. It does not exist here. The case has therefore been settled with Finnes with a failure to prosecute. In practice, there is a finding of criminal liability, without any reaction being imposed.

For Erna Solberg’s part, it is assumed that she participated in the decision that the dinner should be carried out, including choosing a restaurant, but that she herself did not participate. Nor would these acts normally result in punishment unless special considerations so warrant. As mentioned, punishment is considered appropriate where there are either serious violations, or where a failure to respond could have negative consequences for the population’s compliance with the infection control measures. Although the law is the same for everyone, not everyone is the same. Solberg is the country’s foremost shop steward, and has on a number of occasions fronted the government’s decisions on measures to counter the pandemic. It is therefore considered appropriate to react with punishment, in order to maintain the public’s confidence in the infection control rules. Solberg has therefore today been fined NOK 20,000 for his role in conducting the dinner on Friday 26 February.

It can be stated that both Hallingstuene, Finnes and Solberg have today been notified of the respective decisions.

(Retrieved from the police press release on April 9, 2021)

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Chief of Police Ole Sæverud opened the press conference by explaining the facts in the case they have investigated:

Solberg and his family gathered more than ten people two days in a row during the winter holidays to celebrate the Prime Minister’s 60th birthday. First the family was without Solberg at a restaurant, and the next day everyone was gathered in an apartment in Geilo.

The practical arrangements for the gathering and dinner at Hallingstuene on Friday were made by Erna Solberg’s husband, but she also participated in the planning, Sæverud explained. A total of 13 people attended this dinner. They were from different households and sat in different rooms in the restaurant. Solberg himself did not participate.

On Saturday, the family ate dinner together again. 14 people from various households participated, including Solberg himself.

– The conditions are assessed on the basis of the current national regulations, Sæverud said and emphasized that gatherings for families are also considered events.

– The investigation in the case has only included Solberg and her husband as organizers and Hallingstuene as a restaurant, Sæverud said.

– The dinner party at Hallingstuene: The case is closed because it is not considered appropriate to impose a fine.

The police conclude that Erna Solberg and her husband carried out or participated in carrying out the event. For Sindre Finnes, it is assumed that he participated in the decision that the dinner should be carried out. These actions constitute a violation of the provisions, but would not normally have resulted in punishment, according to the police.

Solberg and his family were in Geilo during the winter holidays. The police themselves decided to start an investigation after tips about the case came via NRK , which first published the case on 18 March.

Police first said they hoped to complete the investigation before Easter week, but postponed the decision as it turned out they needed more time.

The Prime Minister herself has said that she is sorry for what happened. Both she and her husband Sindre Finnes were questioned by the police during the investigation.

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