Gov’t turns to opposition to secure budget

Key ally expresses disappointment but rejects speculation it will force election by withdrawing support

After weeks of increasingly strained budget negotiations with its left-wing ally ground to a halt yesterday, the government turned to the opposition last night to secure a deal. 

The surprise agreement with Venstre and Konservative fell into place within a few hours of party negotiators sitting down with the finance minister, Bjarne Corydon (S). 

Up until Tuesday, Corydon had otherwise appeared close to a deal with Enhedslisten, but with the two sides unable to agree on whether the elderly should be given a legal minimum of home-care standards, including a weekly bath and an annual spring-cleaning. 

SEE RELATED:  Budget negotiations coming down to wire

Enhedslisten had made the standards a key demand, while the government hoped that additional funding to the tune of 1 billion kroner would be enough to shore up declining quality of care. 

The increased funding, as well as funding to prevent firms from underpaying foreign employees, another key Enhedslisten demand, made it into the budget, as did new business initiative, an opposition demand.

With the December 2 deadline for reaching deal approaching, Corydon chose to sat down with the opposition for the first time since October 30. 

Had the minority coalition government not come up with a draft budget 30 days before the end of the year, it would have been forced to call an election. 

SEE RELATED: War of nerves over budget (Morning Briefing – Monday, November 25)

Before the deal was struck, it was speculated that Enhedslisten, fresh of sweeping electoral gains in local elections, would withdraw its support for the government if came to an agreement with the opposition, requiring an election to be called. 

In a press conference after the budget deal was announced, Johanne Schmidt-Nielsen, the party’s leader, however, ruled out such a move. 

“The government made its choice,” she said. “They’d rather pass tax cuts together with the right-wing. Of course we disagree with their politics.”

Factfile | Proposed 2014 budget highlights
– 800 million kroner for tax cuts originally planned for 2015
– 1 billion kroner annual to improve eldercare between 2014 and 2017
– 1.5 billion kroner to implement sustainable energy technologies, fund new nature initiatives and help pay for construction of a light rail in Odense




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

  • Free to speak, free to expose: how corruption shapes media freedom

    Free to speak, free to expose: how corruption shapes media freedom

    In Denmark, journalism feels free — calm, almost unbothered, and independent. In Azerbaijan, it can cost journalists their freedom, as in the case of Avaz Zeynalli, editor-in-chief of the independent newspaper Xural, who is currently imprisoned on politically motivated charges

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.