Sivilombudet
Summary
Sivilombudet (the Parliamentary Ombudsman of Norway) is elected by the Storting for a four-year term under Lov om Stortingets ombudsmann for forvaltningen of 18 June 2021, which modernised the institution and changed its title from Sivilombudsmannen. The Ombudsman investigates complaints from individuals who believe that a public body has committed an error or acted unlawfully towards them, and may also initiate own-motion investigations of public administration. Under the Act, the Ombudsman has a statutory right of access to all information, documents, and records held by public authorities necessary for investigations; no independent subpoena or compel-testimony power is provided but access is comprehensive by statute. Annual reports are submitted to the Storting and made public. The Ombudsman also serves as Norway's National Preventive Mechanism under the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT). The budget is a legislative line item approved by the Storting.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Legislative appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 4 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Lov om Stortingets ombudsmann for forvaltningen
- Citation
- Lov om Stortingets ombudsmann for forvaltningen av 18. juni 2021 nr. 99
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
All levels of Norwegian public administration (central government, municipalities, county authorities, public enterprises exercising public authority); investigates complaints from individuals about public administration decisions and actions