Denmark needs to rearm on multiple fronts, not just militarily, with an emphasis on “honest prioritization” of affordable measures, according to Social Liberal Party leader Martin Lidegaard. He made these remarks at the People’s Meeting (Folkemødet).

Lidegaard stated that his party will not prioritize changes to the retirement age. The debate around pension reforms has intensified, especially after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen signaled a potential shift in the Social Democrats’ stance on automatically increasing the state pension age.

Lidegaard suggests focusing on immediate actions and leveraging the “enormous resources and opportunities” of the current senior population, encouraging them to continue contributing if they are able. He advocates for prioritizing the next generation and the future Denmark that will be inherited.

Lidegaard also criticized the government’s approach to phasing out gas furnaces, emphasizing that energy policy is a crucial aspect of security. He plans to push the Danish government, during its upcoming EU presidency, to prioritize freeing the EU from dependence on gas from Russia and other authoritarian regimes.

He believes that while military rearmament is necessary for a time, it is insufficient on its own to ensure security and prosperity. He expressed concern that military rearmament has been overemphasized in discussions, arguing for a more comprehensive approach to security.