Khaberni - On Tuesday, the Norwegian Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of retaining the country's monarchical system, rejecting a proposal introduced by a group of seven members representing various political spectrums to transform the country into a republic.
The vote was supported by 141 members in favor of continuing the monarchical system against 26 members who voted for ending the reign of King Harald and his family, out of a total of 169 members.
Monarchy vs. Republic Debate
Supporters of the monarchical system claim that it brings stability to the country by being above partisan politics and that it has served Norway's interests since its independence in 1905.
On the other hand, republicanism supporters argue that political power actually resides with the Parliament and government, considering the inherited privileges of the royal family as having no place in a democratic society.
Proponents of the proposal sought to amend the constitution so that the head of state would be elected directly by the people, but their proposal was not passed.
This activity coincides with polling results showing that 61% of Norwegians support maintaining the monarchical system, down from 72% last year, while support for the republican system increased by 10 percentage points to 27%.
Crises Striking the Family
These disturbances come at a time when Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been criticized by the Prime Minister, who stated that she demonstrated poor judgment in her communications with the late Jewish billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sexual crimes against children.
Prince Haakon, husband of the Crown Princess, apologized on Saturday for this communication, which occurred in the years following Epstein's conviction in 2008.
In another case shaking the royal family, Marius Borg Høiby (29 years old), son of the Crown Princess, appeared in court today, Tuesday, denying charges of rape and domestic violence directed at him, admitting to lesser charges including offensive sexual behavior, speeding, and driving without a valid license, and acknowledging that he is "partially guilty".
Historian Trond Norén Isaksen described this case as the gravest crisis to hit the Norwegian royal family in peacetime, even though Høiby does not hold a royal title nor is he in line for succession, as he faces the possibility of years in prison if found guilty of the most serious charges, totaling 38 charges.
