In her traditional New Year's address, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen delivered a candid message, acknowledging that her time as prime minister might be drawing to a close. She admitted the government's shortcomings on issues affecting citizens, such as rising food prices and inequality, but emphasized that the "unconventional" coalition government, formed across the center, had served Denmark and its stability more than the interests of political parties. She announced key plans for the new year, including stricter deportation policies for foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes, a food voucher program to support those facing economic hardship, and a national dementia plan. She also called for greater oversight of major technology companies and pledged unwavering support for Ukraine. She concluded her address with a call for optimism and faith in Danish values, expressing her belief that the future would be better. The following are the key points:
Opening of the speech
- She began by greeting everyone and said that she had been Prime Minister for more than six years, adding that this might be her last speech as Prime Minister.
Admitting mistakes
- She stated that she did not always listen well to the citizens.
- She said that some of the criticism leveled against her regarding rising food prices and increasing inequality was valid and that she would take it seriously.
The “strange” government”
- She described the current government as “strange”.
- She said she did not regret forming a centrist government, even though it did not serve the parties politically.
- She stressed that she was confident that the move was in Denmark's best interest in a world characterized by division and turmoil.
Immigration and crime policy
- Announcement of a broad reform of deportation.
- Any foreigner convicted of serious crimes and sentenced to one year or more will be deported regardless of their connection to Denmark.
- Examples I mentioned: rape, extreme violence, and other serious crimes.
- She stressed that the priority would be protecting the population and the victims, not the perpetrators.
Support for citizens and food supplies is imminent.
- She announced that she would be providing a food check this year.
- Target groups: Retirees without significant savings, the unemployed, low-income families.
- She said the government had not done enough previously to address rising food prices, and that this measure was a corrective step.
National Plan for Dementia Patients
- She said a new national plan for dementia patients will be introduced this year.
- She described the disease as one of the cruelest because it gradually erases a person's features and causes pain to their families.
Regulating technology companies
- She called for stricter oversight of major technology companies.
- She said it was “stealing our children’s childhood.”.
- She demanded that these companies contribute financially to supporting the health and well-being of children and young people.
Defense and Foreign Policy
- She affirmed her full support for Ukraine.
- She said that the fall of one state would pave the way for Russia to further penetrate Europe, and therefore this must be prevented.
Challenges and a sense of hope
She concluded her speech with a New Year's greeting and wished the Danish people well.
She said she understands the lack of optimism among many citizens in light of what the world is going through.
But she pointed out that hope can be found in our care for one another.
She called for faith in the values upon which Danish society was built, and that tomorrow would be better than today.
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