Solberg to pay fine

Published April 22, 2021 · Updated April 20, 2021

Prime minister breaks COVID-19 regulations for birthday party

Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB
Prime Minister Erna Solberg after it became known that she will be fined NOK 20,000 for violating coronavirus restrictions during a birthday celebration at the mountain resort in Geilo.

NTB

Prime Minister Erna Solberg has been fined NOK 20,000 for her role in planning a dinner party to celebrate her 60th birthday in Geilo, a popular luxury ski resort destination in southern Norway.

An official police investigation has concluded that there was a breach of national infection control rules when the prime minister and 13 family members gathered at a restaurant in Geilo. At the time, only 10 people were permitted to gather in such a setting.

“I accept the police decision. I have previously said that if the restaurant visit is followed up with fines, then we will, of course, make up for it. I apologize for what happened and will pay the fine,” Solberg said in a statement.

This article originally appeared in the April 23, 2021, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.