The Slesvigsk Parti continues to support Jørgen Popp Petersen as mayor of Tønder Municipality and their candidate for the upcoming elections, despite a police investigation into his pig farm.

Petersen faces scrutiny after being reported to the police eight times between 2019 and 2024 following inspections by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration.

The specific details of the police reports are not publicly available due to confidentiality surrounding ongoing investigations. TV 2, however, reported that one instance involved overcrowding in a pigpen.

The Slesvigsk Parti acknowledged the situation, stating that Petersen has taken full responsibility for the conditions on his farm. “We acknowledge that Jørgen Popp Petersen has clearly and distinctly assumed the ultimate responsibility and has himself acknowledged that he is ultimately responsible for the property. This is crucial for us as a party,” the party secretary wrote.

The party is aware the police investigation is ongoing and charges could still be filed.

Petersen, who is discontinuing pig production after 37 years, has stated he takes full responsibility for the errors. “I have ultimate responsibility for the mistakes that have been made, and I am sincerely sorry for the conditions that have been,” he said. “Now I want the focus to be on my political work for Tønder Municipality, which I am passionate about continuing.”