Norway’s Security Service Strained by Rising Costs of Protecting Politicians
A growing demand for bodyguard services for top Norwegian politicians is significantly impacting the operational capacity of the country’s security intelligence service, PST, according to a new report from the National Audit Office. The escalating costs, particularly related to travel to high-risk zones like Ukraine, are diverting resources from core security tasks at a time of increasing global threats.
The National Audit Office’s assessment, released on Thursday, December 12th, reveals that approximately one-quarter of PST’s budget is now allocated to protecting government officials and royalty. This substantial financial commitment – reaching 444 million Norwegian kroner in 2024, up from 106 million in 2015 – is raising concerns about the agency’s ability to effectively address broader security challenges.
Ukraine Travel Drives Security Costs Higher
Frequent trips by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and other ministers to Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 have dramatically increased the burden on PST. Each visit necessitates extensive advance planning, security assessments, and 24-hour monitoring of officials, often requiring the transportation of specialized vehicles between Norway and Ukraine.
“Every time a top politician goes to Ukraine or other risk areas, PST has to send people out in advance, to plan and clarify security based on the travel plans,” a source familiar with the operations explained. The need for constant vigilance and logistical support is placing a significant strain on PST’s resources.
Budget Overruns and Staffing Challenges
The report highlights consistent budget overruns within the bodyguard service, forcing PST to either reallocate funds from other critical areas or seek additional funding at the end of the fiscal year. High levels of overtime have also been a persistent issue. While the agency has recently begun bolstering its staffing – with 13 new bodyguards currently in training – the report suggests these measures may not be sufficient to address the underlying problem.
According to the National Audit Office, “A high level of activity within the protection of government officials, including coverage of unforeseen bodyguard missions…has had negative consequences for other key core tasks at a time when the threat landscape has changed rapidly for the worse.” The agency recommends exploring measures to limit overtime costs and improve resource allocation.
Conflicting Views on Impact to Core Security
Despite the National Audit Office’s concerns, Justice Minister Astri Aas-Hansen strongly refuted the claim that the bodyguard service is compromising PST’s core functions. “Let it be absolutely clear: Protection of government officials does not come at the expense of the population’s safety,” she stated at a press conference on Thursday.
However, PST Chief Beate Gangås acknowledged the challenges, emphasizing the need for increased basic staffing to reduce reliance on overtime and improve predictability. “The bodyguard service is an expensive service, but it is an important part of our main mission, which is to protect democracy,” Gangås said, adding that increased staffing will help alleviate the burden on existing personnel.
Long-Term Financial Implications
With a total budget framework of 1.8 billion Norwegian kroner for 2025, the continued allocation of one in four kroner to bodyguard services raises questions about the long-term sustainability of PST’s broader security operations. The increasing demands on the agency underscore the need for a comprehensive review of security protocols and resource allocation to ensure Norway’s ability to effectively address evolving threats.
