{{Short description|Norwegian politician (born 1993)}} {{Use dmy dates |date=June 2023}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Emilie Mehl | image = Emilie Enger Mehl, 2024.png | caption = Mehl in 2024 | office = Minister of Justice and Public Security | term_start = 14 October 2021 | term_end = 4 February 2025 | prime_minister = Jonas Gahr Støre | predecessor = Monica Mæland | successor = Astri Aas-Hansen | office2 = Member of the Storting | term_start2 = 9 October 2017 | term_end2 = 1 October 2025 | deputy2 = Margrethe Haarr | constituency2 = Hedmark | birth_name = Emilie Enger Mehl | birth_date = {{Birth date and age |1993|8|8|df=y}} | birth_place = Lørenskog, Akershus, Norway | death_date = | death_place = | death_cause = | resting_place = | monuments = | party = Centre | other_names = | education = Jurisprudence | alma_mater = University of Oslo | occupation = Politician | years_active = | employer = | organization = | agent = | known_for = | notable_works = | style = | influences = | influenced = | home_town = | television = | spouse = | partner = | children = | parents = | relatives = | awards = }} '''Emilie Enger Mehl ''' (born 8 August 1993) is a Norwegian politician for the Centre Party. She served as minister of justice from 2021 to 2025 and member of parliament for Hedmark from 2017 to 2025.
==Personal life and education== Mehl was born in Lørenskog on 8 August 1993,<ref name=snl/> a daughter of Eivind Mehl and Ellen Enger Müller.<ref name=storting/> She holds a Master of laws (LL.M.) from the University of Oslo Faculty of Law.<ref name=snl/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ostlendingen.no/stortingsvalget/hedmark/nyheter/emilie-enger-mehl-er-fersk-jurist-og-klar-for-justiskomiteen/s/5-69-475078|title=Østlendingen - Emilie Enger Mehl er fersk jurist og klar for justiskomiteen|website=www.ostlendingen.no|date=4 October 2017 |language=no|access-date=2017-11-27}}</ref>
==Career== ===Parliament=== Mehl was elected representative to the Storting for the period 2017–2021 for the Centre Party.<ref>{{cite web |title=Valgresultat 2017. Hedmark |url=https://www.nrk.no/valg/2017/resultat/sted/04 |website =NRK | language=no |access-date=13 September 2017 }}</ref> She was member of the Standing Committee on Justice from 2017 to 2020,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.stortinget.no/en/In-English/Members-of-the-Storting/Members/M/mehl-emilie-enger/|title=Mehl, Emilie Enger|date=2017-10-23|work=Stortinget|access-date=2017-11-27|language=en-GB}}</ref> and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) from 2017 to 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stortinget.no/no/Representanter-og-komiteer/Internasjonalt-arbeid/Europaradet/?lvl=False&pid=2017-2021#primaryfilter|title=Europarådets parlamentarikerforsamling (PACE)|date=2008-04-23|website=Stortinget|language=nb-NO|access-date=2017-11-27}}</ref>
From 2020 to 2021 she was member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence and of the Enlarged Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. She was re-elected to the Storting for the period 2021–2025, while Margrethe Haarr deputised for her when she served in the Støre Cabinet from October 2021 to February 2025.<ref name=storting/>
Following her party's withdrawal from government, Mehl joined the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs in addition to becoming the party's financial spokesperson.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nrk.no/nyheter/arnstad-forblir-sps-stortingstopp-_-mehl-far-sentralt-verv-1.17254294 | title = Arnstad forblir Sps stortingstopp – Mehl får sentralt verv | publisher = NRK | date = 5 February 2025 | access-date = 5 February 2025 | language = nb }}</ref>
She had sought re-election at the 2025 election, but ultimately lost her seat.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nrk.no/stor-oslo/disse-profilene-faller-ut-av-stortinget-etter-stortingsvalget-2025-1.17558303 | title = Disse profilene faller ut av Stortinget | publisher = NRK Stor-Oslo | date = 9 September 2025 | access-date = 9 September 2025 | language = nb | first = Carl Anders | last = Brynildsen Sørheim | first2 = Olav | last2 = Juven | first3 = Jenny Dahl | last3 = Bakken | first4 = Eivind | last4 = Bulie | first5 = Dag | last5 = Kessel }}</ref>
===Local politics=== She was elected representative to the county council of Hedmark from 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hedmark.org/Politikk/Fylkestinget/Senterpartiet/Emilie-Enger-Mehl|title=Emilie Enger Mehl|website=www.hedmark.org|language=no|access-date=13 September 2017|archive-date=14 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914081632/https://www.hedmark.org/Politikk/Fylkestinget/Senterpartiet/Emilie-Enger-Mehl|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Minister of Justice=== She was appointed minister of justice on 14 October 2021.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.nrk.no/norge/norge-har-fatt-ny-regjering-1.15689598 | title= Norge har fått ny regjering | publisher = NRK | date= 14 October 2021 | access-date = 14 October 2021 | language= no}}</ref> At the time of her appointment, she became the country's youngest person to serve as minister of justice.<ref>{{cite news|title=Emilie Enger Mehl (Sp) blir tidenes yngste justisminister |url=https://www.nrk.no/innlandet/emilie-enger-mehl-fra-asnes-blir-tidenes-yngste-justisminister.-1.15689599 |website=nrk.no |date=14 October 2021 |language=no |access-date=21 October 2021}}</ref>
====2021==== Mehl laid down flowers, for the victims of the Kongsberg attack. The attack happened the day before she was appointed, and she was accompanied by the prime minister.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.nettavisen.no/nyheter/store-og-mehl-la-ned-blomster-i-kongsberg/s/12-95-3424191016 | title= Støre og Mehl la ned blomster i Kongsberg | publisher = Nettavisen | date= 15 October 2021 | access-date= 15 October 2021 | language = nb}}</ref>
In October 2021, she spoke about the issue of <!-- said that she will stick to what the Director of Public Prosecutions investigation concludes in regard to his evaluation of--> alleged abuse of power by police, during handling of drug cases.<!--The Green Party's spokesperson for social policy, Farid Shariati called on Mehl to establish a commission to look into all matters of the police's abuse of power in drug cases. He also accused Mehl of playing political games and being afraid to do her job after she responded by saying she that she would stick to what the Director of Public Prosecutions investigation concludes, and his evaluation of the police's handling of drug cases.--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/redd-for-a-gjore-jobben/74468514 | title= - Redd for å gjøre jobben | publisher = Dagbladet | date= 28 October 2021 | access-date= 28 October 2021 | language = Norwegian}}</ref>
In early November, she focused on the recent shootings in the capital: eight young men had been shot (by other civilians) over the span of ten weeks.<!-- Mehl visited the Stovner police station to meet with its chief, to discuss the recent shootings that occurred in the capital, in the wake of eight young men being shot over the span of ten weeks.--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/norge/2021/11/01/195798612/justisministeren-besoker-stovner-politistasjon-for-a-diskutere-skytinger | title= Justisministeren besøker Stovner politistasjon for å diskutere skytinger | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 1 November 2021 | access-date = 2 November 2021 | language = Norwegian}}</ref><!-- Following the visit, she emphasised that Oslo is a safe city, but also expressed understanding for people who might be concerned.--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/norge/2021/11/02/195798867/justisministeren-etter-oslo-skytingene-oslo-er-en-trygg-by | title= Justisministeren etter Oslo-skytingene: – Oslo er en trygg by | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 2 November 2021 | access-date = 2 November 2021 | language = Norwegian}}</ref><!--Following multiple shootings occurring in Oslo, Mehl expressed concerns over the recent developments. She specifically expressed concerns about shootings occurring on open streets and near schools, and stressed that criminals shouldn't be allowed to use these spaces for their own benefits and putting innocent lives at risk. Mehl also stressed that Oslo should be a safe place, and said she was going to meet local police and municipality the week after.--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.nettavisen.no/nyheter/justisministeren-etter-skyteepisoder-i-oslo-bekymringsfullt/s/12-95-3424195372 | title= Justisministeren etter skyteepisoder i Oslo: - Bekymringsfullt | publisher = Nettavisen | date= 26 October 2021 | access-date = 26 October 2021 | language = Norwegian}}</ref>
She rejected the Norwegian Correctional Service's proposal of reducing the amount of prisons from 32 to 13.<!-- She stated that it wasn't the governments wish to do so, and that they would keep the current structure and continue the foundational staffing of the prisons.--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.nrk.no/tromsogfinnmark/emilie-enger-mehl-_sp_-sier-nei-til-ny-fengselsstruktur_-_-vil-ikke-sentralisere-kriminalomsorgen-1.15734526 | title = Justisministeren med klar beskjed: – Norske fengsler skal ikke sentraliseres | publisher = NRK Troms og Finnmark | date= 17 November 2021 | access-date = 17 November 2021 | language = Norwegian}}</ref> <!--The reversal of the courts merger was initiated later that month when Mehl put forward a proposal on hearing, with a deadline within three months. The proposal includes a suggestion of full reversal, although the government will leave it up to individual municipalities to decide. Mehl stated that it will be up to them to decide if they want to keep their local court.--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/politikk/2022/01/26/195820289/mehl-legger-domstolsreverseringen-ut-pa-horing | title= Mehl legger domstolsreverseringen ut på høring | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 26 January 2022 | access-date = 26 January 2022 | language = Norwegian}}</ref><!-- On 9 December, Mehl announced that 40 million NOK of the promised 200 million to the police, would be spent on the Oslo police. She also promised a fight against gang violence and recruitment of minors in the capital.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/47Vz7a/lover-kamp-mot-gjengkriminelle-viktig-for-meg | title = Lover kamp mot gjengkriminelle: − Viktig for meg | publisher = Verdens Gang | date= 9 December 2021 | access-date= 9 December 2021 | language = Norwegian}}</ref>--><!-- When Christian Democrats pressed for deportation cases involving children to be halted until a new report was processed, Mehl saw no reason for such cases to be temporarily halted, arguing: "The working group has not found any decisive differences between current practice and Norway's obligations under international law". Despite this, the Christian Democrats later announced that they would be putting forward a proposal to put all deportation cases that affect children on hold until the report has been considered politically. Mehl promised to go into the report and consider further follow-up.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/politikk/2022/02/09/195823943/mehl-stopper-ikke-utvisningssaker-som-berorer-barn | title = Mehl stopper ikke utvisningssaker som berører barn | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 9 February 2022 | access-date= 10 February 2022 | language = Norwegian}}</ref>-->
====2022==== <!--At a press conference with Director of Police Benedicte Bjørnland and director of the Norwegian Police Security Service Hans Sverre Sjøvold, Mehl announced that the threat image in Norway was unchanged despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. She also noted that the security situation has been unchanged in Norway, but increased in Europe as a whole.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.tv2.no/a/14611016/ | title= Justisministeren: – Trusselbildet i Norge er ikke endret | publisher = TV2 | date= 28 February 2022 | access-date = 1 March 2022 | language = Norwegian}}</ref>-->
In May 2022, she appeared in front of the Standing Committee on Justice to answer about the controversy regarding Hans Sverre Sjøvold, chief of Police Security Service.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/y4BPB2/vil-ikke-svare-paa-om-pst-sjefen-er-forskjellsbehandlet | title= Vil ikke svare på om PST-sjefen er forskjellsbehandlet | publisher = Verdens Gang | date= 25 May 2022 | access-date = 29 May 2022 | language = no}}</ref> He resigned the following month.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-02 |title=Kommentar: Det gikk ikke lenger |url=https://www.vg.no/i/7da4v3 |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=www.vg.no |language=nb}}</ref>
There was a shortage of blank passports in May [and for some time later], and that became a bottleneck for the authorities' issuing of passports.<!-- In response to the shortage of passports in May, Mehl assured that the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs were working closely together to find a solution.--><!-- The shortage is primarily due to long waiting times to get new ones.--><!-- Mehl also encouraged people not to travel if they have expired passports, while also recommending people to carry ID cards while travelling in the Schengen Area.--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/k6oaG9/slik-vil-mehl-loese-passkrisen-usikkert-om-det-lar-seg-gjoere | title = Slik vil Mehl løse passkrisen: − Usikkert om det lar seg gjøre | publisher = Verdens Gang | date= 28 May 2022 | access-date= 28 May 2022 | language = no}}</ref><!--On 10 June, she asked the European Union and its member states to accept Norwegians travelling with expired passports as a consequence of the country's passport shortage. She is said to have delivered the same message to other members of the Schengen Area, the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/norge/2022/06/10/195851105/mehl-ber-eu-landene-akseptere-at-nordmenn-reiser-med-utgatte-pass | title = Mehl ber EU-landene akseptere at nordmenn reiser med utgåtte pass | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 10 June 2022 | access-date = 10 June 2022 | language = no}}</ref> (Mehl had already warned in March 2022, of an upcoming period where many applicants for new passports—would have to wait for unreasonably long periods of time; Thales Group were responsible for the production of the passports).<!--On 29 March, Mehl called for an emergency meeting with Thales Group, who is responsible for the production of Norwegian passports, following reports of problems with production of passports. In a press release, she stated: "I have today been informed that the manufacturer of Norwegian passports and ID cards has had a reduced production capacity and may have problems delivering sufficient passports to Norwegians and citizens of several European countries. The government is taking the situation seriously, and I have summoned Thales to an emergency meeting to find out how they intend to deal with this".--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.nettavisen.no/nyheter/justisminister-hasteinnkaller-produsenten-av-norske-pass/s/12-95-3424261390 | title = Justisminister hasteinnkaller produsenten av norske pass | publisher = Nettavisen | date= 29 March 2022 | access-date= 30 March 2022 | language = Norwegian}}</ref>
The government made a proposal to change the court system.<!--Following concerns from the Children's Ombudsman about the reversal of the courts reform, Mehl stated that the government was interested in local protest to the reform in means of going through with it. She also emphasised with the Ombudsman's concerns for children's welfare--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.nrk.no/norge/barneombudet-advarer-regjeringen-mot-a-endre-domstolene-1.15715242 | title = Barneombudet advarer regjeringen mot å endre domstolene | publisher = NRK | date= 4 November 2021 | access-date= 4 November 2021 | language= Norwegian}}</ref> <!--On 5 December, Mehl stated she wanted the old court structure back early into the parliamentary term. She expressed that there was a danger for smaller courts to suffer from worker losses due to the previous government's court reform, which reduced the amount of courts from 60 to 23. She also expressed that the government had to listen to others than just the top leaders in the justice sector. The Conservative Party's spokesperson for justice policy, Sveinung Stensland, criticised Mehl, referring to that multiple levels of the justice sector, disagreed with her decision.--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/varsler-rask-reversering-av-domstolsreformen/74824750 | title = Varsler rask reversering av domstolsreformen | publisher = Dagbladet | date= 5 December 2021 | access-date = 5 December 2021 | language = Norwegian}}</ref> Possible changes to the court system were being evaluated (as of May 2022).<!--A total of 64 municipalities expressed that they wanted a change to the current court reform, while 67 wanted to maintain the reform. Some of said municipalities asked the government to write into law the number of courts in the country. Mehl promised that the government would commence a thorough evaluation.--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/norge/2022/05/02/195843056/dodt-lop-mellom-norske-kommuner-om-a-oppheve-domstolsreformen | title = Dødt løp mellom norske kommuner om å oppheve domstolsreformen | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 2 May 2022 | access-date= 2 May 2022 | language = Norwegian}}</ref> <!--In regards to the courts reform, Mehl stated on 4 April that she would rather listen to "ordinary people" then the "Oslo elite" of judicial experts. However, she clarified she would listen to judicial experts, but not always relay on them. She also reiterated the government's stand to reverse the courts reform, despite judicial experts and civilians expressing strong opposition to a reversal.--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/8Q1zmr/mehl-vil-ikke-hoere-paa-oslo-eksperter-men-heller-lytte-til-vanlige-folk | title= Mehl vil ikke høre på "Oslo-eksperter" – men heller lytte til "vanlige" folk | publisher = Verdens Gang | date= 4 April 2022 | access-date = 6 April 2022 | language = Norwegian}}</ref> Regarding the proposed changes, she said that she wished to listen to [opinions or] voices from the districts, rather than the strong<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-05 |title=Du er vel justisminister for Oslo, Mehl? |url=https://www.dagsavisen.no/debatt/kommentar/2022/11/05/du-er-vel-justisminister-for-oslo-mehl/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Dagsavisen |language=no}}</ref> opposition from legal experts - because the experts are mostly based in the capital city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg.no/i/8Q1zmr|title=Mehl vil ikke høre på «Oslo-eksperter» – men heller lytte til «vanlige» folk|last=Lægland|first=Martin|work=VG|language=no|quote=– Høyre skaper en så fordummende debatt i denne saken, og snakker bare om fagfolk. Det er et sterkt behov i Norge for å lytte mer til vanlige folk, og mindre til ekspertene, sier Emilie Enger Mehl.|date=4 April 2022|access-date=22 May 2022}}</ref>
In August 2022, Mehl recognized that Russian vessels posed a potential risk to Norwegian interests.<!--On 12 August, Mehl assured that Norwegian intelligence were following Russian super trawlers carefully after researchers warned that they could contain weapons like drones and missiles. She also mentioned that risk assessments were being made on if the trawlers posed any security risks, and stated: "The intelligence and security services continuously monitor the activity of Russian fishing vessels along the Norwegian coast in order to uncover and prevent security-threatening activity. The services' threat assessments have, after Russia's attack on Ukraine, led to increased prioritization of work to counter illegal intelligence activities, not least along the Norwegian coast. There is close cooperation between the Ministry of Justice and Public Security and relevant sector authorities to help identify measures that can reduce the risk of activity that could threaten our interests."--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/vurderer-russiske-trusselbater/76879966 | title = Vurderer russiske trusselbåter | publisher = Dagbladet | date = 12 August 2022 | access-date= 14 August 2022 | language = no}}</ref>
Later in August, it was revealed that Mehl had declined the treatment of wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Norway despite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs having approved the request. Only weeks later did she give the same response as said ministry did. At the same time, Mehl didn't disclose these details when questioned about it in the Storting. The Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs notified that they would be setting up a hearing for the case, and would be calling Mehl, prime minister Støre and foreign minister Anniken Huitfeldt in for questioning.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/full-gjennomgang-etter-avsloring/76996734 | title= Full gjennomgang etter avsløring | publisher = Dagbladet | date= 27 August 2022 | access-date = 28 August 2022 | language = no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/stanset-behandling-av-skadde-soldater-1/76960939 | title = Stanset behandling av skadde soldater | publisher = Dagbladet | date= 25 August 2022 | access-date = 28 August 2022 | language = no}}</ref>
On 17 October, she warned people to be on high alert and report suspicious drone activity.<!-- On 17 October, in the wake of increased drone activity in the country, Mehl expressed at a press conference for people to be on high alert and report suspicious activity. She also reiterated that the Norwegian borders wouldn't be closed yet despite the drone activity. She did however note that closing the borders would be evaluated as an option before it would be decided.--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/norge/2022/10/17/195878240/mehl-oppfordrer-folk-til-a-vaere-arvakne-om-mistenkelig-aktivitet | title = Mehl oppfordrer folk til å være årvåkne om mistenkelig aktivitet | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 17 October 2022 | access-date= 18 October 2022 | language = no}}</ref>
Later in October, Mehl ordered a fact-finding on all institutions that have handled the investigations and judicial proceedings of the Baneheia murders.<!-- She added that the ministry of justice is now creating a mandate for the fact-finding.--><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/l3386y/justisministeren-full-gransking-av-alle-ledd-i-baneheia-saken |title=The justice minister: Full fact-finding of all links of the Baneheia case |website= VG.no |access-date= 28 October 2022}}</ref> <!--Mehl announced that an investigative commission would be established to look into the Baneheia murders following the prosecutor's apology to Viggo Kristiansen and subsequent demand for his release. She expressed that she would also wait with an apology until a final judgement had been made.--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.vg.no/nyheter/i/nQQJwJ/justisministeren-setter-ned-utvalg-for-aa-granske-baneheia-saken | title = Justisministeren: Setter ned utvalg for å granske Baneheia-saken | publisher = Verdens Gang | date= 21 October 2022 | access-date = 22 October 2022 | language = no}}</ref>
In October, Mehl also presented Beate Gangås as the new chief of the Norwegian Police Security Service.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/beate-gangas-ny-sjef-pst/id2937741/ | title = Beate Gangås by sjef i PST | publisher = government.no | date= 21 October 2022 | access-date = 22 October 2022 | language = no}}</ref>
From 31 October, she had six days to answer to parliament; some MPs have said that a recent purchase of Chinese drones from DJI, should have been stopped.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rønning |first=Mats |date=2022-10-31 |title=Krever nye svar om kinesiske droner |url=https://www.nrk.no/norge/krever-nye-svar-om-kinesiske-droner-1.16154907 |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=NRK |language=nb-NO}}</ref> Previously, in January 2022, the Conservative Party expressed concerns for national security regarding the police's process for acquiring<!--tender process for requiring--> Chinese drones from DJI. In response, Mehl called for a meeting with director of police Benedicte Bjørnland later that month.<!-- Mehl expressed that she expected the police to make a new assessment of the security situation in light of new information.--><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nrk.no/norge/ber-politiet-droppe-kinesiske-droner-1.15796693 | title = Ber politiet droppe kinesiske droner | publisher = NRK | date= 6 January 2022 | access-date = 7 January 2022 | language = Norwegian}}</ref>
On 2 November 2022, Mehl was forced to withdraw an inquiry that the ministry of justice had ordered from the Police Directorate; the withdrawal happened 3 hours after media told about the inquiry. The Office of the Prime Minister contacted the leadership of the Centre Party, to express concern.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Røsvik |first=Eirik |last2=Holmes |first2=Martha C. S. |last3=Lægland |first3=Martin |last4=Haugan |first4=Bjørn |date=2022-11-03 |title=Opplysninger til VG: Slik gjorde regjeringen full retrett |url=https://www.vg.no/i/8JqW5r |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=VG |language=no}}</ref> The inquiry had desired to decentralize the national police force; furthermore, one goal was to create 20 new police stations - each with 5 police officers - in the districts;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haugan |first=Bjørn |last2=Holmes |first2=Martha C. S. |date=2022-11-02 |title=Ap presset på - Mehl trakk forslag |url=https://www.vg.no/i/APvX03 |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=VG |language=no}}</ref> the inquiry was supposed to "map out the possibility for making large cuts, regarding police in the big cities".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-02 |title=Opposisjonspolitikere ber Støre redegjøre etter at Mehl trakk initiativ om politikutt |url=https://www.aftenposten.no/norge/politikk/i/l3we79/opposisjonspolitikere-ber-stoere-redegjoere-etter-at-mehl-trakk-initiativ-om-politikutt |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=www.aftenposten.no |language=nb}}</ref> On 9 November, media said that 3 of the 4 points of the inquiry, have not yet been stopped (by Mehl).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Røsvik |first=Eirik |date=2022-11-09 |title=Mehl vil ikke vrake distrikts-mål: Politifolk frykter nye kutt |url=https://www.vg.no/i/GMyR76 |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=VG |language=no}}</ref>
In December 2022, the opposition parties, together with the government parties, demanded that a position be created for an ombud for whistleblowing regarding police matters or perhaps even regarding matters of the justice sector. Mehl had already said in May that she would create that position, but she later shelved the idea. In May 2022, the police union in Norway had rejected the one proposed version of the idea.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/VPgWQ3/presset-oeker-mot-mehl-etter-varslingsfiasko | title = Presset øker mot Mehl etter varslingsfiasko | publisher = Verdens Gang | date= 7 December 2022 | access-date= 8 December 2022 | language = no}}</ref>
On 15 December, Mehl issued an apology on behalf of the government in relation to the wrongful conviction of Viggo Kristiansen in the Baneheia murders.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/pQM8Xo/emilie-enger-mehl-om-viggo-kristiansen | title = Emilie Enger Mehl om Viggo Kristiansen: − Jeg vil si unnskyld | publisher = Verdens Gang | date= 15 December 2022 | access-date= 15 December 2022 | language = no}}</ref>
====2023==== In early February 2023, Mehl admitted that she had TikTok on her work phone. Despite this, she stated that she still utilised the app. The Conservative Party had previously expressed dwindling confidence in her, which the Progress Party also later supported.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.dagsavisen.no/nyheter/innenriks/2023/02/01/justisminister-emilie-enger-mehl-hadde-tiktok-pa-tjenestetelefonen/ | title = Justisminister Emilie Enger Mehl hadde Tiktok på tjenestetelefonen | publisher = Dagsavisen | date= 1 February 2023 | access-date= 1 February 2023 | language = no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/var-tillit-er-svekket/78322877 | title = - Vår tillit er svekket | publisher = Dagbladet | date= 26 January 2023 | access-date= 1 February 2023 | language = no}}</ref><!-- This came as a part of repeated controversy over Mehl's use of the app that first came to light in September 2022.--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.tv2.no/nyheter/innenriks/slik-svarer-mehl-pa-tiktok-kritikken/15190921/ | title = Slik svarer Mehl på TikTok-kritikken | publisher = TV 2 | date= 16 October 2022 | access-date= 25 March 2023 | language = no}}</ref>
Throughout June, Mehl faced severe criticism for the intelligence handling and the findings by the investigation of the 2022 Oslo shootings.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.dagbladet.no/meninger/mehl-er-svekket/79560553 | title = Mehl er svekket | publisher = Dagbladet | date = 14 June 2023 | access-date = 14 June 2023 | language = no}}</ref>
In August, Mehl visited affected municipalities by Storm ''Hans'' in Innlandet and praised the local populations and emergency services.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/norge/2023/08/13/195941446/mehl-roser-lokalbefolkningen-i-flomomradene-en-utrolig-innsats | title = Mehl roser lokalbefolkningen i flomområdene: – En utrolig innsats | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date = 13 August 2023 | access-date = 13 August 2023 | language = no}}</ref>
In late August, Mehl and finance minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum announced the reestablishment/establishment of ten new police stations by 2024.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nrk.no/norge/regjeringen-oppretter-ti-nye-politikontor-1.16525825 | title = Regjeringen oppretter ti nye politikontor: Polititopper reagerer kraftig | publisher = NRK | date = 23 August 2023 | access-date = 24 August 2023 | language = no}}</ref>
In September, Mehl announced that more funding would be allocated to the police in order to combat gang violence as a response of an increase of it in neighbouring Sweden.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nrk.no/norge/regjeringen-gir-penger-for-a-hindre-_svenske-tilstander_-i-norge-1.16572540 | title = Gir penger for å hindre svensk voldsbølge i å krysse grensa | publisher = NRK | date = 26 September 2023 | access-date = 26 September 2023 | language = no}}</ref>
In December, it was revealed that the National Security Authority had taken on an illegal loan agreement worth 200 million kroner. The director, Sofie Nystrøm, announced her resignation on 8 December with immediate effect. Mehl announced in the aftermath that an investigation would be conducted and that the justice ministry would look at its routines. Additionally a grant to the NSA of an equal sum to the illegal loan would be given in order to repay it.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg.no/nyheter/i/wAlm4G/nsm-direktoer-sofie-nystroem-har-bedt-om-aa-faa-fratre-med-umiddelbar-virkning | title = NSM-direktør Sofie Nystrøm går på dagen: − Jeg beklager | publisher = Verdens Gang | date = 8 December 2023 | access-date = 8 December 2023 | language = no}}</ref>
====2024==== In a joint press conference with labour minister Tonje Brenna on 29 January, the two announced additional measures for handling Ukrainian refugees. For her part, Mehl stated that the government would be aiming to secure the flow of refugees coming into the country and furthermore tighten up services and performance rate. Additionally she emphasised that the pressure on municipalities shouldn't become too dire that it would impact the country's ability to support Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/9zRP9q/ukrainske-flyktninger-skal-ikke-lenger-faa-stoette-for-aa-bo-privat-istedenfor-i-mottak | title = Regjeringen varsler flere innstramminger for flyktninger fra Ukraina | publisher = Verdens Gang | date = 29 January 2024 | access-date = 29 January 2024 | language = no}}</ref> In September 2024, Mehl declared large parts of Ukraine as "safe" in order to reject asylum seekers from these regions.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nrk.no/norge/flere-ukrainere-har-fatt-avslag-pa-asylsoknadene-sine-1.17055101 | title = Fleire ukrainarar har fått avslag på asylsøknadane sine | publisher = NRK | date = 25 September 2024 | access-date = 13 October 2024 | language = nn}}</ref>
With reports of staff shortages and general underfunding of the police, Mehl announced that the government would spend 635 million NOK on strengthening the police as pet of the revised national budget. Both the Conservative and Progress parties had warned that if not sufficient funding could be provided, the latter asked that she should consider her position.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/politikk/2024/02/16/195982900/frp-om-politi-krisen-ber-justisminister-emilie-enger-mehl-vurdere-sin-stilling | title = Frp om politi-krisen: Ber justisminister Emilie Enger Mehl vurdere sin stilling | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date = 16 February 2024 | access-date = 16 February 2024 | language = no}}</ref>
Mehl responded to criticism from the opposition in April in the wake of revelations that some cabins in Bardufoss were owned by Russians linked to the regime. Mehl denied that the government had moved slowly on the matter, and stated that they would be considering similar measures like Finland when it comes to owning properties.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tv2.no/nyheter/utenriks/vurderer-a-gjore-som-naboen/16604709/ | title = Vurderer å gjøre som naboen | publisher = TV 2 | date = 13 April 2024 | access-date = 13 April 2024 | language = no}}</ref>
Media uncovered a document on 27 April 2024 that gives an indication that Mehl has misinformed parliament for more than a year (and as late as March); The document from 2017, establishes that "double authorization" was against Norwegian laws; media showed that the authorities referred to the document in 2019, to show that ''double authorization'' was still against the law; ''Verdens Gang'' has asked Mehl if she has been misled by PST.<ref>https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/B0J3P9/mehl-nektet-vg-innsyn-i-oppdragsbrev-paa-grunn-av-rikets-sikkerhet. VG.no. Retrieved 2024-04-28</ref> Earlier (4 November 2022), the leader of the Standing Committee on Justice said that it is incomprehensible that Mehl is not intervening and giving orders to the justice ministry and underlying agencies, regarding answers to questions about the case involving employment termination of a whistleblower at the Norwegian Police Security Service (''PST'').<ref name=Incompreh/> After having whistleblowed - in regard to Benedicte Bjørnland, Roger Berg and Kaare Songstad - the whistleblower was told that he would need two authorities to give him authorization - for access to classified information: a (relevant) police chief and also the chief of PST.<ref name="PSTfryingPan">{{Cite web |last=Berg |first=Ronny |last2=Haram |first2=Ola |last3=Norman |first3=Mona Grivi |last4=Kristiansen (foto) |first4=Tore |date=2022-11-05 |title=Justisministeren ber om full redegjørelse |url=https://www.vg.no/i/MonBQr |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=VG |language=no}}</ref><ref name=Incompreh/> In a 2 November reply to Ingvild Wetrhus Thorsvik of the Standing Committee on Justice, Mehl claimed that such "double authorization" is required by law; however, on 4 November media revealed that 3 documents from the justice ministry<ref>https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/0QVJnE/justiskomiteen-om-pst-varsler-uforstaaelig-at-mehl-ikke-griper-inn. Retrieved 5 November 2022. "I dag kan VG avdekke at tre dokumenter fra hennes eget departement forteller det stikk motsatte: ... 2017: ... 2019: ... 2020"</ref> from 2017, 2019 and 2020 say otherwise.<ref name="Incompreh">{{Cite web |last=Berg |first=Ronny |last2=Haram |first2=Ola |last3=Norman |first3=Mona Grivi |last4=Kristiansen (foto) |first4=Tore |date=2022-11-04 |title=Justiskomiteen om PST-varsler: – Uforståelig at Mehl ikke griper inn |url=https://www.vg.no/i/0QVJnE |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=VG |language=no}}</ref> Carl I. Hagen, a member of the Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs sent questions to Mehl, asking her how many PST servicemen already have been subjected to "double authorization".<ref name=Incompreh/> As of 5 November 2022, Thorsvik has sent additional questions to Mehl.<ref name=PSTfryingPan/>
Mehl caused some controversy in October when she describes Innlandet county mayor Thomas Breen to be "prostituting himself to the Conservative Party" over the county's decision to close down several upper secondary schools. Both Breen and his deputy retorted that Mehl should focus on her duties as justice minister. Mehl countered with arguing that she had the right to care about the closure of schools because she is an elected member of parliament and representative of her local county chapter in Hedmark. She further encouraged Breen and his deputy to reverse their decision to close down the schools.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nrk.no/innlandet/emilie-mehl-er-opprort-over-foreslatte-skolenedleggelser-i-innlandet-1.17082787 | title = Mehl opprørt over skolenedleggelser i Innlandet: – Helt grusomt | publisher = NRK Innlandet | date = 15 October 2024 | access-date = 17 October 2024 | language = nb}}</ref> Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre later criticsed her comment, calling it "unacceptable". He did however share general criticism against Breen, emphasising that "schools are more then just buildings" and cited the importance of securing good schools and learning.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg.no/nyheter/i/vgxmMV/stoere-med-kritikk-mot-mehl-det-er-ikke-greit | title = Støre med kritikk mot Mehl: – Det er ikke greit | publisher = Verdens Gang | date = 22 October 2024 | access-date = 22 October 2024 | language = nb}}</ref>
====2025==== Following ''TV2's'' documentary on assisted suicide in January, both Mehl and the Progress Party condemned the findings. As assisted suicide is illegal per Norwegian law, Mehl vowed that the police ought to crack down on the networks who offer the services. The Progress Party for their part, encouraged other parties to also address the issue.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tv2.no/nyheter/innenriks/justisministeren-om-dodsenglene-forkastelig/17393101/ | title = Justisministeren om «Dødsenglene»: – Forkastelig | publisher = TV2 | date = 27 January 2025 | access-date = 28 January 2025 | language = nb | first = Ulrikke | last = Torgersen | first2 = Finn Erik | last2 = Robstad }}</ref>
Following the Centre Party's withdrawal from government, she was succeeded by Astri Aas-Hansen on 4 February 2025.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nrk.no/norge/store-presenterer-ny-regjering-tirsdag-1.17248386 | title = Nye statsråder: Stenseng inn i regjering – Skjæran får toppjobb på Stortinget | publisher = NRK | date = 4 February 2025 | access-date = 4 February 2025 | language = nb | first = Kristian | last = Skårdalsmo | first2 = Mats | last2 = Rønning | first3 = Line | last3 = Tomter | first4 = Geir Bjarte | last4 = Hjetland | first5 = Julie | last5 = Grasmo}}</ref>
==Other== Mehl is previously known as the winner of the first season (2015) of the Norwegian reality show ''{{ill | Anno (reality show) |lt=Anno |no|Anno}}''.<ref>{{cite web |title= Anno-vinner: – Har blitt ekstremt god på pokerfjes |first=Elise Hellem |last=Ratvik |url=https://www.nrk.no/kultur/anno-vinner_-_-har-blitt-ekstremt-god-pa-pokerfjes-1.12242241 |website =NRK | language=no |date=6 March 2015 |access-date=13 September 2017 }}</ref>
She also participated in the third season of ''{{ill|Kompani Lauritzen|no}}'', but did not accept payment for her participation, but instead wished for her remuneration to be donated to charity organisations.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/politikk/2021/10/20/195796141/justisminister-emilie-enger-mehl-gir-bort-kompani-lauritzen-honorar | title= Justisminister Emilie Enger Mehl gir bort "Kompani Lauritzen"-honorar | publisher = ABC Nyheter | date= 20 October 2021 | access-date = 20 October 2021 | language = Norwegian}}</ref> She went on to win the season.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.vg.no/rampelys/tv/i/28zPka/justisminister-emilie-enger-mehl-vant-kompani-lauritzen-hadde-brukt-det-meste-av-kruttet | title = Justisminister Emilie Enger Mehl vant "Kompani Lauritzen": − Hadde brukt det meste av kruttet | publisher = Verdens Gang | date= 30 April 2022 | access-date= 2 May 2022 | language = Norwegian}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist |refs= <ref name=snl>{{cite encyclopedia|title=Emilie Enger Mehl |first=Knut Are |last=Tvedt |author-link=Knut Are Tvedt |encyclopedia=Store norske leksikon |editor-last=Bolstad | editor-first=Erik |publisher=Norsk nettleksikon |location=Oslo |url=https://snl.no/Emilie_Enger_Mehl |language=no |access-date=20 October 2021}}</ref> <ref name=storting>{{cite web |url=https://www.stortinget.no/no/Representanter-og-komiteer/Representantene/Representant/?perid=EEM |website=stortinget.no |title=Mehl, Emilie (1993-) |language=no |access-date=20 October 2021}}</ref> }}
{{Stortinget 2017–2021}} {{Stortinget 2021–2025}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mehl, Emilie Enger}} Category:1993 births Category:Living people Category:Centre Party (Norway) politicians Category:Female justice ministers Category:Politicians from Innlandet Category:Ministers of justice of Norway Category:People from Åsnes Municipality Category:Reality show winners Category:21st-century Norwegian women politicians Category:University of Oslo alumni Category:Members of the Storting 2017–2021 Category:Members of the Storting 2021–2025