Norwegian MP blames drug habit on job

A Norwegian MP has blamed loneliness and the stress of the job on his drug problem, after a police raid of his apartment uncovered narcotics.

Henning Warloe of the Conservative Party (Høyre) admitted to the media that he has used drugs since relocating from Bergen to Oslo in 2009 when he became a member of parliament.

“I must say I think there are some aspects of an MP’s working conditions that raise questions,” Warloe told Norwegian Broadcaster (NRK). “We are very much left to find our way ourselves. We don’t get hardly any help with the practical part of the work, and it’s every man for himself. We’re expected to deliver and preferably not complain,” he added.

Warloe claims that he tried to seek help within the party but was told to “maintain the façade” that everything was okay.

Erna Solberg, head of Høyre, admits that the party could have done more to support Warloe, but says he is responsible for his own well-being. She added that MPs who relocate to Oslo should try to spend time with their colleagues and build up social networks.

“But everyone is grown-up, we live our own lives,” Solberg told NRK. “I’m not aware that he asked for any help. It’s clear we can dare to pay more attention to the human aspects of the job, [and] that it’s important to show we care.”

Warloe has been charged with possession of narcotics, forced to give up all party duties and asked not to run for re-election.