The departure of Søren Gade could exacerbate resentment of troop deployments
This week’s cabinet reshuffle saw the country’s defence minister bid an emotional farewell to his post and politics in general. Søren Gade has been a stalwart of the Defence Ministry for the past six years, and is more or less single-handedly credited with keeping public opinion on side in Denmark’s efforts in Afghanistan.
A former army officer himself, Gade was always at ease talking to the troops and took every opportunity to roll up his sleeves and head out to the warzone. On one occasion, while conducting an interview at a frontline location in Afghanistan, the base came under enemy shelling. Gade, with characteristic composure, continued the interview as they huddled under a table.
