Norway’s Minister of Defense resigns: “Has made several bad choices”

Norway’s Minister of Defense Odd Roger Enoksen (Sp) resigns. The resignation application was submitted after it was revealed that in 2005 he had a sexual relationship with a then 18-year-old woman.

The Center politician adds that it has been an honor to serve as Minister of Defense for Norway in a demanding time.

I have today announced to my party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labor Party), that I want to resign as Minister of Defense, says Enoksen.

Enoksen, who was married when the affair took place, met the then 18-year-old woman when her school class was visiting the Riksdag, where he sat as a member.

The deal lasted for several months. Enoksen was 50 years old and the same autumn became Minister of Petroleum and Energy in Jens Stoltenberg’s red-green government, writes the newspaper VG, which spoke to the now 30-year-old woman.

“Will give an unreserved apology”

VG has taken part in extensive written documentation that extends from 2005 until today, in the form of diaries, text messages, emails, and journals from psychologists and doctors, where the relationship is described by the woman. The woman tells VG that Enoksen used her position and in her diary, she wrote that Enoksen was her “sexual mentor” – a term that the Minister of Defense confirms that they used.

I have made several bad choices and assessments, and will give an unreserved excuse that my actions have made life more difficult for others, says Enoksen.

Not compatible with the ministerial role

Prime Minister Støre says that he found out about the incident on Friday night and that he accepts the Minister of Defense’s resignation.

I do not want to comment on the incident, but I think that what emerges in the case is of a nature that is not compatible with the trust needed for a minister, which I conveyed directly to Enoksen. Therefore, it is right that he apologizes and resigns, says Støre.

Enoksen’s party leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum also thinks it is necessary for him to resign.

A person is more than his individual actions, but what has emerged is not compatible with the trust needed to be able to continue in the ministerial role, says the SP leader.