Norway’s Labour Party has shifted its position on the creation of a lobby register, a move that could lead to greater transparency in political dealings. The potential change comes amid heightened scrutiny following revelations in the Epstein case and concerns about undue influence on lawmakers.
Previously, the Labour Party, along with the Progress Party and the Conservative Party, had rejected proposals for a lobby register. However, a recent discussion within the Labour parliamentary group prompted a reconsideration of the issue.
The shift follows similar reversals by the Centre Party and the Christian Democratic Party, signaling growing momentum for increased transparency. The proposal for a lobby register was initially brought forward by Venstre leader Guri Melby.
“Now, the Labour Party, the Conservatives and the Progress Party have a concrete opportunity to pass the first Epstein test,” Melby said. “Either they vote for transparency, or they vote to preserve a political culture where voters do not know who is trying to influence their decisions.”
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The Socialist Left, the Red Party, the Green Party and the Christian Democratic Party have consistently supported the establishment of such a register. The move underscores the growing pressure for greater accountability in Norwegian politics.
“It would be historically scandalous for the parties that do not support this now, when we are in the midst of the elite collusion scandal that the Epstein documents have revealed,” said Red Party leader Marie Sneve Martinussen in November.
Ove Trellevik of the Conservative Party indicated his party would also revisit the issue internally, while acknowledging potential drawbacks to a lobby register. He noted concerns that vulnerable individuals might avoid contacting elected officials if their names were included in a public registry.
