About looking after the country together – Dagsavisen
While “Borgen” plays on the drama and conflicts around Christiansborg – where the Parliament, the prime minister’s office and Denmark’s Supreme Court are housed – it was time for reconciliation and cooperation with Mette Frederiksen took the podium on Tuesday. The following day, the social democratic prime minister wrote out of new elections, and announced that she now envisions a coalition government in these very uncertain times: «We are going to the elections as social democrats, but we are ready for compromises and cooperation. The time has come to find a new form of government cooperation in Denmark, a more broadly composed government with parties from both sides of the political center».
The outstretched hand to the entire Folketinget started when, in her speech, she touchingly told the personal stories of three former ministers and members of the Folketing who now have to give up politics, and thanked them deeply for what they have done: “None of you have been given. fan the embers of polarization. You have collaborated across parties and positions, entered into thousands of compromises. You have dutifully looked after your work and looked after Denmark. Thank you”.
[ Danmarks statsminister Mette Fredriksen utskriver nyvalg ]
She then thanked all the parties who, by adopting a winter package that lowers the electricity tax, freezes bills and gives a helping hand to families with children, have taken joint responsibility for making it easier for the Danes in tougher times. Everything was then put into a larger context, where cooperation through Nato and the EU must come before national interests. I repeat a bit here: «A war in a European country. This means more expensive butter when you shop inn. The world is so small now. Denmark cannot solve the great challenges of our time alone. A Danish government cannot ensure their security without our membership in NATO. We cannot get a handle on migration and climate change without much closer cooperation with Africa. And we cannot secure jobs and prosperity without our membership in the EU’.
When discussions rage about what serves Denmark – or Norway – best, it is good to remind ourselves of some of what Frederiksen pointed out. Borgen – or for that matter the Storting – is safer if we don’t have to stand for the defense alone. And the best defence, yes, it consists of cooperation – between our politicians and with Europe. Those who only think about themselves may not fit in well enough in Norway. God Friday!
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