Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke has apologized after facing criticism for a rap performance at the Nature Meeting in Hirtshals, where he targeted the fishing industry. Fishermen and local politicians found the performance disrespectful and offensive. Heunicke acknowledged that his attempt at entertainment “landed wrong” and said he would “try harder” in the future.

The minister’s rap included the line, “Our very good friends in the fishing industry have for decades destroyed the Danish sea with bottom trawls,” followed by a call-and-response with the audience, chanting “Trawl-free.” Niels Kr. Nielsen, chairman of Hirtshals Fiskeriforening, called the performance “disrespectful and ahistorical.” Fisherman Jeppe Kærsgaard Christensen from Thyborøn accused the minister of trampling on fishermen and running “a witch hunt.” Mayor of Morsø Municipality, Hans Ejner Bertelsen, also expressed shock and called the minister’s behavior “completely unacceptable.”

Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made an appearance on DR’s “The Great Junior Baking Competition,” which drew criticism from political commentator Henrik Qvortrup, who called it “brilliant marketing” by the Social Democratic party office, but criticized DR for allowing itself to be reduced to an advertising pillar for a power holder. Eva Kvist, head of department for Lifestyle and Fact in DR, defended the Prime Minister’s appearance, stating that she would have been invited regardless of her party affiliation.

In other news, an interview with entrepreneur Martin Thorborg sparked outrage from Pelle Dragsted, political spokesman for the Unity List. Thorborg stated that he feels more entitled than others due to his contributions to society and high tax payments. Dragsted argued that such reasoning undermines social cohesion and solidarity, which are Denmark’s defense against autocratic regimes. Thorborg dismissed Dragsted’s criticism as “amusing” but acknowledged the importance of balancing inequality.

Additionally, reports indicate that Denmark has been spending an average of DKK 293 million per day on defense upgrades since the summer of 2023, potentially depleting the war chest. A new billion-dollar agreement has been reached to implement a major health reform and improve medical coverage nationwide. Despite a decision to exclude the topic of Israel-Palestine from the next school election, some school leaders believe that the conflict can be discussed with students constructively.