Eva Joly Proposed to Lead Norwegian Investigation into Epstein Links
PARIS, 12 February 2026 – Eva Joly, the renowned Franco-Norwegian anti-corruption magistrate and former presidential candidate, has emerged as the primary choice to lead a high-profile independent commission in Norway. The commission is tasked with investigating historical ties between Norwegian public figures and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
A Return to Judicial Oversight
Following recent revelations in unsealed documents that have implicated several high-ranking Norwegian figures—including members of the royal family and former government officials—the Norwegian Parliament agreed on Tuesday to establish a formal inquiry. The Green Party, which supports the current Labour-led government in Oslo, has formally proposed Joly as the chair of this commission.
Joly, now 82, is widely respected in both France and Norway for her uncompromising stance against financial crime. She rose to international prominence in the 1990s as the investigating magistrate in the Elf Aquitaine scandal, which remains one of Europe’s largest corporate corruption cases. Her potential appointment signals Norway’s intent to conduct a rigorous and transparent investigation into the “Epstein files” that have recently resurfaced in the public domain.
Political and Judicial Career
Born Gro Eva Farseth in Oslo, Joly moved to France at the age of 20. After qualifying as a magistrate, she spent decades at the Palais de Justice in Paris. In 2009, she transitioned into politics, representing Europe Écologie–The Greens (EELV) in the European Parliament. She later ran as the party’s candidate in the 2012 French presidential election.
While her public appearances have become more selective in recent years, she was recently seen in Toulon supporting local progressive candidates, where she emphasised the need for transparency and reinforced judicial control in local governance.
Key Biographical Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gro Eva Joly (née Farseth) |
| Date of Birth | 5 December 1943 |
| Nationality | French and Norwegian |
| Notable Case | Elf Aquitaine corruption scandal |
| Political Affiliation | Europe Écologie–The Greens (EELV) |
| Current Role (Proposed) | Chair of the Norwegian Epstein Commission |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eva Joly related to the Canadian Minister Mélanie Joly?
No. While they share a surname and are both involved in high-level politics, Eva Joly is a Franco-Norwegian former magistrate and politician. Mélanie Joly is the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs (and former Industry Minister). There is no family relation between the two.
What was the Elf Aquitaine scandal?
The Elf scandal was a major corruption investigation in France during the 1990s involving the state-owned oil company. Eva Joly led the inquiry, which exposed a vast network of political kickbacks, embezzlement, and illegal commissions totalling hundreds of millions of Euros.
Why is Norway setting up an Epstein commission now?
The commission follows the release of documents and media reports in late 2025 and early 2026 that detailed meetings between Jeffrey Epstein and prominent Norwegians, including Princess Mette-Marit and former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland. The commission aims to determine the extent of these influences and ensure public accountability.