The publication on January 30 of a new set of ‘Epstein Files’ documents in the United States has triggered political shockwaves across Europe. From London and Paris to Oslo and Bratislava, the unfolding scandal has led to the resignation of several prominent figures.
‘Another blow for Norway in the Epstein case,’ Politico headlined. Norway’s ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, Mona Juul, resigned on Sunday, February 8, ‘following reports alleging links to Jeffrey Epstein.’ The development makes the Norwegian diplomat the latest high-profile casualty in the Nordic country of a scandal that continues to grow around the convicted sex offender, who died in 2019.
On January 30, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice released more than three million documents, exposing the names and connections of a vast network that revolved around Jeffrey Epstein, France Culture reported. ‘A case that goes far beyond the United States and casts a shadow over Europe’s elites,’ the radio outlet noted.
Norway Caught in Political Turmoil
In the case of the Norwegian diplomat, the documents ‘appear to indicate that Epstein bequeathed $10 million to the two children of [Mona] Juul and her husband, Terje Rød-Larsen,’ The Guardian reported. Rød-Larsen was later ‘appointed executor of Epstein’s will in 2017, before the role was subsequently revoked,’ the newspaper added.
Politico noted that other Norwegian figures are also mentioned in the Epstein files, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit and the president of the World Economic Forum and former foreign minister Børge Brende. Meanwhile, former ‘chair of the Nobel Committee’ and ex–Norwegian prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland is the subject of an investigation over suspicions of ‘aggravated corruption’ linked to his relationship with Epstein, Libération reported.
Britain Gripped by Political Crisis
From the royal family to Keir Starmer’s government, the United Kingdom has also been shaken by the scandal, Midi Libre reported. The Labour prime minister, ‘weakened by the political fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein affair, resisted calls to resign on Monday.’ Starmer has come under fire for appointing former European commissioner Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to Washington in December 2024. Mandelson was later dismissed in September 2025 following the release of documents detailing the extent of his ties to the convicted sex offender, according to France Info.
On Sunday, February 8, Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned. He had strongly supported Mandelson’s appointment and was therefore ‘particularly under pressure,’ French television reported.
The royal family has also been directly implicated. Former Prince Andrew, who had already lost his royal and Duke of York titles over his links to Epstein, has once again been drawn into the latest revelations. These included a photograph showing the younger brother of King Charles III, aged 65, leaning over a woman lying on the ground, France 24 reported. British police are also investigating a possible case of professional misconduct related to the alleged leaking of confidential documents to Jeffrey Epstein while Andrew was serving as the government’s trade envoy. King Charles III has said he is ‘deeply concerned’ by the situation and ‘stands ready to cooperate with authorities should they request it,’ according to 20 Minutes.
Commentaires
Enregistrer un commentaire