After a record 42 days of negotiations, Denmark has finally got a new government.
And for the first time in 40 years, it will consist of parties across the middle – the Social Democrats, the Left and the Moderates.
The three party leaders – Mette Frederiksen, Jakob Ellemann-Jensen and Lars Løkke Rasmussen – unveiled their plans for Denmark a few moments ago… and it’s a lot!
Among the central points in the new government framework are:
– Major changes in the Danish tax system: taxes will be eased for those who earn the least and for some who earn a lot. A new top-of-the-top tax break for those earning significant sums will also be heralded. In addition, the employment deduction will be increased. The government says its plans include tax cuts worth 5 billion kroner.
– CO2 neutrality: Denmark has set a new CO2 neutrality target for 2045, and a new air travel tax will be incorporated.
– The holiday has passed: In an attempt to get people to work more, the government wants to abolish the Great Day of Prayer holiday, which is celebrated on the 4th Friday after Easter.
– Job centers gone: The government wants to close job centers nationwide, claiming that they are not functioning as desired.
– Several works: The government wants to increase the number of people in employment by 45,000 towards 2030. Fighting bureaucracy in the public sector is among the planned reform changes.
Education cuts: The government will cut a year off half of all master’s programs in the country and remove the 6th year SU education support eligibility. Pupil distribution agreement in high schools will also be rolled back
– Strict immigration policy: The government will not deviate from its current path in relation to immigration. Denmark’s tough stance on immigration will continue, even if “crazy” rules that don’t make sense are cut away. At the same time, the government will maintain its controversial goal of establishing a center for asylum seekers outside Europe – but this must be done by the EU or in cooperation with other countries.
– Changes in the health sector: The government indicated that a structural commission will be set up for the health sector, which will look at making significant changes in the health sector. The right to treatment guarantee – the treatment time limit for patients – is increased from 30 to 60 days.
– New plan for the elderly: The current Arne pension – the right to early retirement – will be combined with the old-age pension and renamed Arne Plus.
– Strengthens the defense: The government wants to speed up the deadline to meet NATO’s goal of investing 2 percent of GDP in defense by 2030.
Download and read the new government’s platform here.
Source: The Nordic Page