In October, it was announced that the architectural firm Snøhetta was commissioned to build the sarcophagus for the royal couple without an open tender round.
This led to a complaint to the Complaints Board for Public Procurement (KOFA) from the group Norway as a Republic.
Read also: Design for the death of the king and queen: NOK 20 million for the sarcophagus
Wednesday reports TV 2 that the Palace has sent a response to KOFA in which they argue that the contract is not illegal, and that the sarcophagus is a work of art with a unique design.
Resting place: Here the royal couple will rest in the mausoleum under the castle church in Akershus.
Photo: Terje Bendiksby (NTB)
Craig Aaen-Stockdale, who is the head of Norway as a republic, thinks Slottet‘s argument is problematic.
He believes that the royal couple should have used their own money for the project, and that it is unfortunate that the King has hired Kjetil Thorsen to St. Olav’s order, at the same time he receives a great job from the royal house.
– Despite the fact that most people think that the king has only symbolic power, they have a great political, economic and social influence. The Royal Court, which is responsible for obtaining the sarcophagus for the royal couple, also has great influence and should set a good example for other public institutions, says Aaen-Stockdale to TV 2, among other things .
Aaen-Stockdale also believes the case is indicative of a larger problem with the monarchy: “The constant mix of public and personal”.
The Complaints Board has not commented on the matter, but they write in a letter to the palace stating that they have the authority to charge fees for illegal direct construction. Snøhetta asks the Castle to respond to the criticism, while the Castle refers to its response to KOFA.
2024-11-13 12:43:00
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