Anti-Russian Norwegian consul completely freaks out – in Russia
“I’m from Scandinavia, I’m not just any Russian woman”
Scandal in a Russian hotel. A Norwegian diplomat rants about what she thinks of Russians. Apparently she is waiting in vain for a clean room. There is now thick air between Moscow and Oslo.
Elisabeth Ellingsen, a Norwegian consul stationed in Murmansk in northern Russia, causes diplomatic trouble between Moscow and Oslo. A video shows Ellingsen insulting the hotel staff. The cleaning of her room apparently “took far too long”.
“I hate Russians,” says Ellingsen in English. ‘Just give me a room. You know, I’m used to staying in clean rooms. I come from Scandinavia, I’m not just any Russian.”
The video published by the “Mash” media group spread like wildfire on the Internet – and quickly caused harsh reactions. A “reaction to this outrageous act of hatred, nationalism and xenophobia” is being considered, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Russophobia not tolerated
Russophobia will not be tolerated, warned the governor of the Murmansk region, Andrei Chibis (43), on Telegram. The Russian Senator Andrei Klischas (49) denounced the Norwegian as “scum”.
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs “deeply regrets” the incident: “The feelings expressed do not reflect Norwegian policy or the Norwegian attitude towards Russia and the Russian people,” according to a statement. The incident will be processed “through the appropriate channels”.
According to the website of the Norwegian Embassy in Moscow, the Norwegian Consulate General in Murmansk has been closed since July 1. Reason: the “difficult” situation in bilateral relations. It is unclear whether the incident happened before or after the consulate was temporarily closed. (kes)