Pia Kjærsgaard, a central figure in Denmark’s immigration debate for over four decades, believes she has significantly shaped the political landscape. As she prepares to leave Parliament, she reflects on her journey from political pariah to Speaker of Parliament, asserting that many of her once-controversial ideas have now become mainstream.

Kjærsgaard acknowledges her influence on the debate, pointing to a collection of meticulously archived newspaper articles and letters spanning her career. These documents chronicle her evolution from a home helper focused on senior citizens’ policy to a prominent voice on immigration.

While Kjærsgaard acknowledges some members of her party have been convicted of racist statements, she firmly denies ever being racist herself. She emphasizes that she has always spoken her mind and that her views have remained consistent throughout her career.

Looking ahead, Kjærsgaard expresses continued concern about immigration policy and stresses the need for the Danish People’s Party to continue its fight. She highlights three key areas that require attention: breaking with conventions, reducing the allocation of citizenship, and carefully considering the source of labor entering the country.