The Danish Parliament is preparing for its summer recess with a marathon debate, a traditional test of strength between the government and the opposition. However, political commentator Bent Winther suggests the Parliament has been somewhat sidelined, often acting as a stamp office for agreements made in ministerial offices. Last year’s debate lasted nearly 18 hours, marking it as the longest in recent times.
Amidst the political debates, attention turns to the Danish embassy in Washington. Documents reveal that Danish diplomats sought to secure access to President Trump’s inner circle in January, coinciding with escalating drama surrounding Greenland. A draft contract was allegedly prepared for top lobbyist Brian Billard, who had raised significant funds for Trump’s 2024 election campaign. Ballard Partners ultimately declined the assignment. The timing aligns with a phone call between Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and President Trump, as well as an interview with Denmark’s Ambassador to Washington, Jesper Møller Sørensen, where he discussed preparations for Trump’s potential return to power. Neither the Ambassador, the embassy, nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have commented on the matter.
In domestic policy news, the Moderates party is proposing a significant change to Danish car taxes. They advocate for abolishing the registration tax on electric cars completely, transferring the resulting revenue loss to the ownership tax. This would mean all new car owners, regardless of whether they drive electric, petrol, or diesel cars, would pay a higher ownership tax. Political spokesman Mohammad Rona’s public announcement breaks an unwritten rule against speaking out during the government’s internal negotiations on the matter.
The Conservatives are also proposing a notable shift in their policy on international labor. They suggest making it more difficult for foreigners from predominantly Muslim countries (Menapt countries) to work in Denmark. The party wants to introduce a three-tiered system (green, yellow, and red) to determine the minimum wage requirements for different countries. For Menapt countries, the minimum wage threshold would be raised to DKK 650,000. This move marks a departure from the Conservatives’ traditional alignment with the business community on foreign labor issues.
In other news: Former minister Henrik Sass Larsen plans to publish a book to “clear” his name regarding charges of possessing illegal material. Minister for Immigration Kaare Dybvad’s office does not know how many undocumented foreigners are illegally receiving benefits. Frie Grønne’s leader Sikandar Siddique aims to return to Copenhagen’s City Council.