A Potentially Explosive Government?
The response from the Social Democrats was immediate. Lund sets up a false dichotomy. There is enough money for both, said the party’s political spokesperson Christian Rabjerg Madsen, in a response that was not surprising at all. What else could he say?
One might think that it is brewing up for a fierce dispute in the SVM labor coalition in the coming days. Maybe an explosion is imminent. After all, a significant difference is being drawn – especially in the long term. The disagreement is real. And from the perspective of Venstre and Moderaternes, it was a selfish and reckless, even ill-considered, pension message that Mette Frederiksen launched upon her return from the summer vacation.
However, the reality is that Monday, November 18, 2024, will not be a dramatic day in the SVM collaboration. The many Mondays to follow will not be either. In fact, Monday may even be the opposite – a day where the three government parties celebrate a common victory. Namely, a political agreement on the green triple.
In other words, the cracks in SVM have become visible. Troels Lund Poulsen deepened them in his speech. Perhaps the conflict will erupt when the election comes. The parties may have an interest in that. Until then, it’s mostly business as usual in the government coalition. This is possible for a couple of reasons.
All the Things They’re Not Saying
Firstly, the major decisions on defense investments and pensions are a bit further out in the future.
Secondly, we are dealing with some of the country’s most seasoned politicians – the kind who understand how to speak with the necessary ambiguities, reservations, and loopholes. And who therefore do not paint themselves into ultimate political corners.
For example, Mette Frederiksen. She does not say that the retirement age must not rise past 70. It may, and it probably will. Just not for everyone. That’s as close as we get.
And Troels Lund Poulsen did not say in his party conference speech that he rejects any thought of a cap on the increasing retirement age for “selected groups.” But he is critical. And he prioritizes defense first – which in principle opens up the possibility of finding a smaller amount for pensions elsewhere in the public economy.
So, the government continues to govern while bickering about future finances, cannons, and pensions. According to Troels Lund Poulsen, the government is actually implementing solid conservative policies, so he is quite satisfied.