A storm of criticism is being directed at Bjarne Håkon Hanssen for his decision to become a partner in a high-priced PR firm. Allegations have been raised that the former Minister of Health could use inside information gained from his previous position to earn money.

“Crosses the line”

Bjarne Håkon Hanssen is in heavy weather after it was revealed that he is to join a newly-formed PR company that could give advice to firms within the health industry.

Per Olaf Lundteigen
Bjoertvedt/Wikimedia CommonsPer Olaf Lundteigen – a Centre Party (Sp) politician – says he’s shocked by the former Health Minister’s lack of ethics, and alleges he’s abused his previous post to make a profit.

“By going from a position of trust in the government to earning money on insider knowledge represents a negative culture. He’s been a central figure and knows everything and everyone of importance. It’s a huge blunder,” Lundteigen tells NRK, and urges the Prime Minister to dissuade Hanssen.

And Labour Party veteran and lawyer Ingjald Ørbeck Sørheim, thinks Hanssen’s decision is a question of political morals. He finds it problematic that anyone in position of trust can sit inside a political system planning to earn money afterwards using insight, power, and influence.

Curbs

But it’s not over yet. Politicians who take on new jobs can face temporary disqualification, forbidding them from dealing with specific issues for periods of up to a year.

Hanssen now has to send a statement about his new responsibilities to the so-called quarantine committee. Dagladet reports that the issue has not been dealt with as yet, and consequently no decision has been made.

The former Minister of Health is expected to earn up to 3,500 kroner per hour excluding VAT.