Rages over Mette Frederiksen’s wish for the Folketing: “pure power arrogance”

A crowded calendar year awaits the government from July 1, when Denmark will take over the EU Presidency in the Council of Ministers.

Prior to the diplomatic race, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S) has corrected a clear call to the Folketing: Give us space.

It writes TV 2.

In a letter sent to the Folketing’s chairman, Søren Gade (V), Frederiksen requests « temporary restructuring » of the parliamentary work. Specifically, she suggests that questions to the ministers should, as a starting point, be answered in writing, consultation reduced, and urgent requests are preferably avoided.

In addition, flexibility in the processing of legal and resolution proposals is encouraged.

The reference states that the task of the EU Presidency is « big and time-consuming »-and that in 2002, last time Denmark was in the same role, agreement was found on similar adjustments.

The letter also refers to the European political agreement of 2023, where the government, together with SF, the Liberal Alliance, the Radical, Conservatives and the Alternative, entered into a common understanding of cooperating constructively on precisely the presidency – including in relation to the planning of the Folketing’s work.

The opposition is raging

Although the invitation is wrapped in friendly twists, it is not received with open arms everywhere in Christiansborg. Several parties, including some included in the agreement circle, believe that the government is trying to avoid criticism and control.

« The government is now asking the Folketing to pack up and interfere. It is pure power arrogance and no one dresses, » says the Danish People’s Party group chairman, Peter Kofod.

Peter Skaarup from the Danish Democrats rejects that the parliamentary work can be closed down because Denmark has been given an international role. He points out that the work of the Folketing must continue regardless.

Peder Hvelplund from the Unity List criticizes that the government will « teach the Folketing » about what tools it may use. He emphasizes that consideration of government work must not be done at the expense of parliamentary control of the same government.

If the wishes are met, June 11 will be decided, when the Folketing’s Committee on Rules of Procedure takes up the matter. Thus, the government has not yet been given green light – but has pushed the accelerator into the hope of getting a more silent drive throughout European autumn.