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 to crises. This lack of guidance is creating unease and uncertainty among citizens, according to Johannes Lundsfryd Jensen, the mayor of Middelfart and chairman of the Climate and Environment Committee of the Association of Local Authorities in Denmark (KL).

KL has reportedly raised concerns with the minister about the challenges municipalities face regarding local preparedness. The absence of a concrete plan could lead to inconsistencies in emergency response across different municipalities, potentially leaving some citizens more vulnerable than others.

Earlier in April, the Agency for Community Safety sent a letter to all 98 Danish municipalities urging them to bolster their emergency preparedness. This call followed a report that deemed Denmark’s risk and threat landscape to be the most severe since World War II. Municipalities were advised to ensure access to essential resources like electricity, water, heat, and other necessities in case of disruptions.

However, even at that time, Mayor Jensen advocated for more specific guidelines. He emphasized the need for clarity on crucial aspects, such as the duration of emergency response plans for vulnerable citizens and the responsibility for food preparedness for those receiving meal deliveries. He stressed that obtaining clear answers is essential for both the well-being of citizens and the effective functioning of municipalities.