Labor Party politicians broke crown rules in Bodø and held a party in a suite at Scandic Havet – NRK

In recent weeks, Bodø’s population has had to endure strict infection control measures. It peaked on Friday last week when Bodø closed almost the entire municipality.

– The director of infection control, in consultation with crisis management, has chosen to introduce the strictest rules since the start of the pandemic, said Mayor Ida Pinnerød (Labor).

Just hours later, the Nordland Labor Party held an annual meeting at Scandic Havet. The meeting lasted two days and was held digitally, with some present in Bodø.

Later, several of the mayor’s colleagues chose to break the strict rules in Bodø which read as follows:

• It is not allowed to organize or participate in meetings that take place in or in connection with a private home or vacation home, and where more than 5 guests other than those living in the home are present at the same time.
• Everyone should avoid home visits and gatherings in their own homes.
• Events are not allowed, except for funerals and burials.

It is also recommended to keep two meters in contact with other people.

A total of eight people gathered in a hotel suite to continue the festivities after dinner. Even:

• Deputy Leader of the Labor Party, Bjørnar Skjæran
• Nordland Labor Party Leader Mona Nilsen
• Third candidate in the Nordland Labor Party, Øystein Mathisen
• Nordland Labor Party County Clerk Tor Arne Bell Ljunggren

– It is completely in its place and it is right that they come with a proper apology today, says Pinnerød to NRK

Labor Party leader Jonas Gahr Støre says politicians are not exempt from the rules.

– This is a clear and unfortunate violation of the regulations that everyone must follow. So, of course, politicians must take the initiative and abide by the rules. I see those who have participated strongly apologize, and that is in place. We must all follow the rules that are given and together do what we can to prevent infection.

Drank alcohol in the suite

On Sunday afternoon, NRK received information about the festivities of the party. After dinner at the hotel restaurant, eight people will have brought the party to one of the hotel suites.

– After the first day of the annual meeting, those of us who organized the meeting and stayed at the hotel, gathered in a suite with plenty of space. We were part of the evening for a total of eight people, including the undersigned, says Tor Arne Ljunggren, Nordland Ap County Clerk to NRK.

It was the “Fleinvær” suite in Scandic that was rented.

– Those who were present had bought beer and wine for their own use, he says.

Should have done a separate assessment

The head of communications for the Bodø municipality, Tord Bertinhussen, refers to the regulations of the municipality’s crown. Beyond this, the municipality has no comment on the incident.

Both Mona Nilsen and Øystein Mathisen tell NRK that they apologize for the incident.

– I am very sorry to have been present. It shouldn’t have been, says Bjørnar Skjæran.

Beyond that, all three refer to the Nordland Labor Party statement.

Ljunggren admits they made a mistake when the weekend festivities were held in a privately owned suite.

– We should do a separate assessment related to the meeting after dinner due to the new two meter distance rule. We made a mistake. We are deeply sorry.

Disappointed with his own party mates

During the press conference on Friday, where the Bodø municipality shut down much of society, Ida Pinnerød used the metaphor “round wash” to describe the situation.

One last wash before the pandemic ends. She still believes this.

– First, I just have to emphasize that the roundabout to a very high degree also applies to politicians. Last night I was informed that there was a meeting in a hotel room with eight people present, and I shared my point of view with them.

– Of course I am very disappointed because they are my own teammates. Beyond that, what I have said will be between us, but it is no secret that I have been very clear about what I think they have done this, while most people stand for themselves and sacrifice a lot to not contribute to the spread of infection.

It can be sanctioned with fines.

Nordland Police confirm that the “event” in the hotel room is a violation of regulations.

Nordland Police District Prosecutor Stig Morten Løkkebakken says that a hotel room should be defined as a rented room where a maximum of 10 people can be present in national regulations, but;

– In the temporary regulations of the municipality of Bodø of March 12, 2021 §5, a general ban on events is established. The exception is funerals / funerals and digital meeting planning kit with a maximum of 5 pieces, Løkkebakken writes to NRK.

Løkkebakken assumes that the act is correctly described and says that it is therefore punishable.

– The normal penalty for this will be, according to the Attorney General’s fine directive, 20,000 NOK for the organizer and 10,000 NOK for each of the participants.