After promising to leave politics forever: Right-wing politician Pia Kijærsgaard surprises everyone and announces she's staying.
Pia Kjesgaard, the founder and former leader of the Danish People's Party (DF), a right-wing party known for its extreme stance towards immigrants and refugees, and after previously announcing her intention to leave political life, surprised everyone with her decision to return to the political arena, where she will run for the regional council elections in the Eastern Denmark region next November, as the party's first candidate.
Kjaerde, 78, had announced in September 2024 that she would not run for parliament again, ending her 40-year political career. But she has now reversed her decision to leave politics and has decided to try a new experience in regional politics.
Her decision came in an internal letter sent to party members, a copy of which was obtained by the newspaper BT. Kjaerde said: “I am running because I cannot back down. The Eastern Denmark region will be a huge area combining the Capital Region and Zealand, and will cover almost half of the country’s population. This worries me, because the large size could lead to excessive centralization and the disappearance of services close to the people, which must not happen.”
In an interview with the newspaper, Kjaerde explained that the decision was not entirely her own initiative, saying: “Perhaps I received some hints that made me think, and I was hesitant at first. But after thinking, I found the idea interesting, and I said: Yes, I will do it, especially if I receive support, which is what I expect.”
When asked whether party leader Morten Messerschmitt had persuaded her, she replied: “That’s an internal secret, but I can say that he was happy with my decision.”
Pia Kiesegaard will replace Finn Rudajski, who resigned from the party in April after serving as a member of the regional council.
Kjesgaard first entered parliament in 1984 for the Progress Party, and then founded the Danish People's Party in 1995 with a group of politicians.
When asked if the party lacked other candidates, she said: “Of course there are others, and I expect several people to be elected. There is a lot of work to be done.”
Regarding her previous decision to retire, she said: “I was always thinking about doing something different. I can’t sit at home without a purpose. The regional council suits me at this stage.”
Regarding her family life, she confirmed that running for office would not affect her relationship with her grandchildren or her expected grandchild, noting her ability to manage her time well.
She added that regional work is not a retirement position, but rather involves important responsibilities, especially in the field of health, which concerns all citizens.
Pia Kijærsgaard concluded by saying: “I don’t know when I will leave politics for good. Maybe I will die while I am working in it, who knows!”
