– As I have experienced Bjørnar, his desire in recent days was to put all the cards on the table, and it has happened, deputy leader Marie Sneve Martinussen said at a press conference on Monday evening after it became known that Rødt leader Bjørnar Moxnes was on sick leave until July 18.

The sick report came after he admitted to stealing sunglasses from a shop in Gardemoen.

– At the same time, Bjørnar is not a victim in this case, but this is the situation, continued Martinussen and added:

– There are 31 out of 37 representatives of the national council who can attend at short notice. Most spoke up, and expressed complete faith in Bjørnar.

He said that during the national council meeting no one advocated for the party to formally address the issue of trust in party leaders.

In Moxnes’ absence due to illness, co-chairman Martinussen acted as party chairman.

At the same time, he realized that there was clear feedback that Moxnes had done something stupid, but also that he had handled the case badly.

– Do you think the attention this case has received is necessary?

– Of course not. It is trash. Bjørnar has a lot going on, and I think he and Rødt’s 14,000 members, and maybe even a few thousand voters, would very much like not to have this case.

When asked how Moxnes is doing now, Martinussen said:

– I guess he didn’t do well. Maybe for everyone who is on sick leave, the doctor thinks that there is a good reason why you are on sick leave. But lately I haven’t been in touch with him.

The co-leader felt that Moxnes had consistently explained himself to him on the matter.

– No, I do not. And it’s part of the critical handling of Bjørnar, that I’m disappointed.