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Norway's Prime Minister Runs Afoul of COVID Rules

Erna Solberg organized birthday gathering
Posted Apr 9, 2021 4:08 AM CDT
Prime Minister Fined for Violating COVID Rules
In this image made from UNTV video, Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway, speaks in a pre-recorded message which was played during the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020.   (UNTV via AP)

Norway's prime minister is not above the law—and she is being penalized more harshly than the average citizen for breaking it. Police say Erna Solberg has been fined the equivalent of $2,352 for violating COVID-19 restrictions with a family gathering to celebrate her 60th birthday in February, reports Reuters. She organized an event with 13 people in a mountain resort when the gatherings were limited to a maximum of 10 people.

Police chief Ole Saeverud said that while a fine usually isn't issued in similar cases, they decided to fine Solberg because she played a leading role in crafting the regulations she broke. Solberg apologized after news of the breach emerged last month. The incident could hurt her re-election chances in September, AFP reports.

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