Government criticism | At the taxpayers' expense: Ministries and positions distributed for political gain, and this is the new commissioner's salary
The Danish government, headed by Mette Frederiksen, underwent a significant cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, August 29, 2024, with the appointment of 25 ministers – the highest number in Danish history. This move comes as part of a reorganization of the government within the current three-party coalition.
Under the headline “Government sets unprecedented record: Taxpayers will foot the bill,' the Danish newspaper BT addressed criticisms leveled at the government following the announcement of the new cabinet reshuffle. The headline reflects widespread concern that these changes, which increased the number of ministers to 25, could lead to additional costs for taxpayers. Critics argue that the move may be driven more by domestic political interests than by genuine national needs, raising questions about the current government’s true priorities.
This is how much Dan Jorgensen earned after changing jobs.
Dan Jorgensen takes an annual salary increase of 650,727 Danish kroner with him when he moves from Christiansborg (the Danish parliament) to Brussels as a commissioner to the European Union, according to TV2, citing TV2 Fyn. .
As a minister, Dan Jorgensen earned 116,682.75 Danish kroner per month, according to the government's website, and as a European Commissioner, the monthly salary would be 170,910 Danish kroner.
Commissioners are also entitled to a lifetime pension upon reaching the age of 66. If Dan Jorgensen chooses to retire up to six years early, he will receive 70% of the full pension.
New ministerial reshuffle
Among the most notable changes announced was the creation of three new ministries: the Ministry of Green Cooperation, the Ministry of Community Security and Emergencies, and the Ministry of European Affairs. This move has drawn widespread criticism, with political commentator Joachim P. Olsen, writing in the newspaper BT, suggesting that the increase in the number of ministries appears to be an attempt to appease the interests of the parties in the governing coalition, rather than a response to any actual need for these new ministries.
Olsen pointed out that the Ministry for Green Cooperation, headed by Jeppe Brose, might be redundant, especially with two other ministries already dealing with the environment and climate. He added that this reshuffle might simply be a move to appease all parties in the coalition government.
The reshuffle also saw the appointment of Torsten Skau Pedersen as Minister for Community Security and Emergencies, a new ministry aimed at strengthening the country's preparedness for crises and emergencies. Marie Pierre was also appointed Minister for European Affairs, where she will be responsible for strengthening Denmark's relations within the European Union, as well as supporting Ukraine.
Lars Løkke Rasmussen appoints his special advisor as Minister for Digitalization
Among the surprises included in these changes was the appointment of Caroline Stage-Olsen as Minister for Digitalization. She was a special advisor to Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, which caused some frustration among some members of the Moderate Party's parliamentary group, who were excluded from ministerial portfolios in favor of a relatively new presence. Marie-Pierre was also transferred from the Ministry of Digitalization to the Ministry of European Affairs.
The recent cabinet reshuffle has raised questions about its effectiveness and whether it reflects the government's priorities in improving public service or is merely the result of internal political maneuvering between parties. With growing criticism of the increased costs to taxpayers, the question remains whether these changes will serve the interests of the Danish people or are simply an attempt to distribute positions among political allies.
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