Pape had been looking forward enormously. Last year, Constitution Day drowned in corona restrictions, and most political speeches took place virtually. Two years ago, there were no speeches due to the general election on the same day.
So Pape had looked forward to coming around the country, giving speeches, delivering political messages and meeting the voters – physically – again.
But plans changed for Pape after the death of former Prime Minister Poul Schlüter (K) last Thursday.
The former Conservative chairman and prime minister from 1982 to 1993 will be assisted by Constitution Day from Holmen’s Church in Copenhagen. After the funeral, the Conservatives host a memorial service in honor of the party icon.
– I’m going to give a speech, not a constitutional speech, but one about Schlüter and his significance.
– I do not think that the day we bury a former prime minister, a former chairman of the party and a very special person for many conservatives, that I should start the day by giving a political speech and then afterwards give a speech at the memorial service, says Pape.
Schlüter’s funeral will also be important for Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S).
She will also not give constitutional speeches, as she is also involved in Schlüter’s funeral and the subsequent commemoration of the Conservatives.
Three years ago, Mette Frederiksen otherwise used Constitution Day to drop a political bomb.
It was with the message that the Social Democrats went after forming a government alone in the next election. In other words, a break with his party’s decades-long tradition of government cooperation with the Radicals.
Other living ex-state ministers, former ministers and former Schlüter colleagues are also attending the funeral and memorial service.
“I do not think Schlüter would have been offended if I had also given a political speech on the day,” says Pape.
While a small part of the political elite is gathered around Schlüter’s funeral, Constitution Day is usually normal for many other politicians.
Liberal Party chairman Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, SF chairman Pia Olsen Dyhr, DF chairman Kristian Thulesen Dahl, political leader of the Radicals Sofie Carsten Nielsen and many others hold constitutional speeches in various parts of the country.
– Of course I do not come out to greet the many people I had hoped to have. But conversely, we can say that what a more beautiful day than Constitution Day to bury a former prime minister, Pape says.
– We celebrate the Constitution and we remember him. It will be a very special day, and it will be one of those days I will always be able to look back on and remember, because it is an icon we say goodbye to. It is natural that the funeral will affect the day, Pape says.