Several Danish mayors are criticizing the Minister for Emergency Management, Torsten Schack Pedersen, due to the absence of a clear plan for how municipalities should respond in crisis situations. This lack of leadership is causing unease and uncertainty among citizens, according to Johannes Lundsfryd Jensen, the mayor of Middelfart and chairman of the Climate and Environment Committee in the Association of Municipalities in Denmark (KL).

KL has repeatedly informed the minister that municipalities feel unprepared for local rearmament. The absence of a concrete plan could lead to inconsistent emergency preparedness across different municipalities, potentially placing citizens in varying levels of risk during a crisis.

Torsten Schack Pedersen declined an interview but stated in writing that he experiences “good dialogue” with KL and other ministries regarding municipal advice.

In early April, all 98 Danish municipalities received a letter from the Agency for Community Safety recommending strengthened emergency preparedness. This recommendation followed a report assessing Denmark’s risk and threat level as the most severe since World War II. The municipalities were advised to secure access to critical resources like electricity, water, and heating in case of disruptions.

However, even after receiving this recommendation, Johannes Lundsfryd Jensen emphasized the need for more specific guidelines. He questioned the duration of emergency response for elderly and vulnerable citizens and the responsibility for food preparedness for those receiving home deliveries. He stressed that clarifying these aspects is crucial for both citizens and municipalities.