Kristine Kryger
Inlet: Gentofte (local) and Copenhagen (regional)
Party: Radicals
Age: 42
Thanks to her life studying and working abroad, Kristine Kryger is no stranger to international communities. In addition to running locally in Gentofte, she is also on the ballot for the regional elections, so the good news is that everyone can vote for her. CPH Post got a talk with her about her goals for the city… and the capital region.
Copenhagen’s international community has grown significantly in recent years. How important is the international vote these days?
I am very aware of how the international community contributes to Denmark, culturally and economically. I am running for election to both the regional elections in the capital region and the local elections in Gentofte and the international community in Gentofte alone consists of more than 9,000 compatriots. It is important to reach out to the international community as I believe we could get so much more out of sharing knowledge and interacting more across nationalities. We are so blessed to have such wonderful international schools in Gentofte.
Why do you think you would appeal to the international community?
My partner is Kenyan, my children are bicultural, and I have enjoyed a lot of time in international communities. I have lived, studied and worked abroad, so I have first-hand knowledge in relation to the challenges you face when settling in a new country. International brings so many brilliant ideas to the table, and there is great potential in terms of involving international residents in decision-making at the local and regional level. That link-up is something I would like to help facilitate.
Sustainability and the green transition are among the key issues for the Radical Party. How is this reflected in your election platform?
Local politics plays a major role in the green transition at municipal and regional level. There is a lot we can do, but we can achieve so much more if we change the legislation on how suppliers can get loans to finance the green transition. I push hard to influence decision-makers at the national level. The green transition is a top priority for me, and one of the main reasons why I find my political work meaningful. I want to ensure that Gentofte Municipality works ambitiously towards the UN’s World Goals. The municipality must take sustainability into account in all its actions. I therefore want to incorporate a set of binding guidelines, which, among other things, must ensure that CO2 reduction, biodiversity and conservation of the municipality’s green areas are always included in the municipal council’s decisions.
You went to university in the UK. Has a stay abroad helped to shape you as an individual and local politician?
I chose to go to the University of Essex, which at the time was the most international university in England. My four years there really opened my eyes to the value of international residents, and I believe that the international community can add so much to our local community in Denmark.
You have for a long time been deputy chairman of the Infrastructure Committee in Gentofte. What would you like to see from the future development in the municipality?
I would like to promote cycling, electric cars and public transport. The increasing traffic in our society makes it unsafe for children and the elderly to move around. Therefore, I will work to lower the speed limits and reduce the noise load from the roads. I believe that we should implement the same speed limits that they have in Barcelona, Berlin and Brussels. A high percentage of the CO2 reduction must come from greener transport. I have also worked actively to develop the city’s spaces and create a framework for communities. The city should also be peaceful areas of the city.
You are also running in the regional elections, giving people across the capital region the opportunity to vote for you. What are your visions for the capital?
One of my key goals for the capital is to take greater advantage of innovation by adopting the latest technologies, creating partnerships and improving the conditions in research and healthcare. And as is the case at the local level in Gentofte, sustainability is also still an essential part of my regional strategy. It is crucial for Copenhagen to work ambitiously to meet the UN’s 17 World Goals by taking responsibility for combating climate change and ensuring sustainable development, consumption and production patterns.
Source: The Nordic Page