The Future of Socialdemokratiet and Venstre in Danish Politics
Kiki Bille Bach, a member of the city council in Jammerbugt and a candidate for the Folketing in Northern Jutland, believes that Socialdemokratiet should return to its roots. In other words, she advocates saying goodbye to a coalition with the blue parties.
– I have a red heart that beats strongly. We need to rediscover ourselves with the red values. And I certainly think that some of the compromises in such a coalition government can overshadow the core values we hold in Socialdemokratiet. For example, the abolition of Great Prayer Day was a ‘huge compromise,’ says Kiki Bille Bach, adding that.
– Some of the things that have been implemented, I don’t think have been part of a social democratic government’s agenda. They have some elements I call creeping liberalism, says Kiki Bille Bach.
Her city council colleague in Jammerbugt, Helle Bak Andreasen (V), fully agrees: The SVM government should be history after the next election. She believes that it would give Venstre the most influence if it ends up with a purely blue government.
– It is part of our DNA to think that we belong in the blue family. And I believe that is what we should try to return to, if possible, says Helle Bak Andreasen.
Socialdemokratiet and Venstre’s Waiting Game
Both Mette Frederiksen and Troels Lund Poulsen often highlight the government’s achievements, but neither of them has yet revealed to voters which government they believe should lead the country after the next election.
Troels Lund Poulsen has stated that he has ‘no plans to nominate anyone as prime minister candidates on this side of the parliamentary election,’ but has also added that he ‘hopes for a blue government.’ However, he has not confirmed that he will work towards actually forming a blue government in Denmark after the next election.
Mette Frederiksen has been even more ambiguous.
– As we approach a parliamentary election, we Social Democrats will definitely say which government we believe will be the right one after the next election, said Mette Frederiksen in October on the DR program ‘Meet the Prime Minister.’
And the party’s political spokesperson, Christian Rabjerg Madsen, does not come any closer when presented with the wishes of the party base regarding which government coalition Socialdemokratiet should enter into after the next parliamentary election.
– The sensible and reasonable thing for Socialdemokratiet to do right now in Christiansborg is to focus on delivering results. And then we will discuss in two years after an election, when the election comes, says Christian Rabjerg Madsen.
But half of your own city council members don’t even want the government you are in to continue. What do you think about that?
– I interpret it as a clear support for Mette Frederiksen as prime minister. And then there are different opinions on which government coalition Socialdemokratiet should enter into, says Christian Rabjerg Madsen.
At Venstre, the party’s political spokesperson Jan E. Jørgensen also sees the desires of the V base as support for Venstre ‘being free’ in the next parliamentary election.
– It’s a mixed picture. Venstre’s city council members do not have a clear preference for either option, says Jan E. Jørgensen.
He believes that for Venstre’s city council members, it is mostly about the policies implemented.
– It may well be a conservative government. It may well be a new center government. What we campaign on is to have as much Venstre policy implemented as possible, says Jan E. Jørgensen.
Conclusion
In the Danish political landscape, the future of Socialdemokratiet and Venstre remains uncertain. While internal debates and differing opinions among party members continue, the ultimate decision on coalition alliances and government leadership will shape the direction of the country’s policies and priorities. As voters await clarity from party leaders, the upcoming election will be pivotal in determining the path forward for Denmark.
FAQ
1. What are the main concerns of Kiki Bille Bach regarding the direction of Socialdemokratiet?
Kiki Bille Bach believes that Socialdemokratiet should return to its red values and move away from compromising with blue parties in the government coalition.
2. How do Mette Frederiksen and Troels Lund Poulsen approach the question of the next government after the election?
Both leaders have been vague about their preferred government coalition, leaving voters uncertain about the future direction of the country.
3. What is the perspective of Christian Rabjerg Madsen on the internal dynamics of Socialdemokratiet?
Christian Rabjerg Madsen emphasizes the importance of focusing on delivering results and defers the decision on government coalition until after the election.