Mette Frederiksens tale ved Folketingets afslutningsdebat 2025

Bornholm: A Call to Action

The Role of the Home Guard

• Bornholm, a Danish island in the Baltic Sea, has seen increased activity from the home guard, with around 300 locals involved in disaster preparedness and crisis management.

• An appeal was made by the commander of the local home guard to former members to rejoin, resulting in many stepping forward, including an 81-year-old woman eager to contribute.

• This surge marks the largest increase in volunteers for the home guard in 40 years, with over 43,000 Danes now active and ready to protect NATO infrastructure.

Current Challenges and Responses

• Volunteers assist during various events while also being deployed internationally for stability missions, such as in Kosovo.

• Denmark faces unprecedented pressure from allies regarding territorial claims and military threats, emphasizing a need for resilience and unity among Danes.

Commitment to Sovereignty

• The speaker highlights Denmark's steadfastness against external pressures and affirms commitment to national values like sovereignty and self-determination.

• Acknowledgment of Greenlanders' strength amidst challenges; their determination is praised as vital for maintaining democratic values.

Strengthening Ties with Greenland

Investment and Collaboration

• Denmark expresses readiness to enhance cooperation with Greenland through investments aimed at building a strong economic foundation.

• There is an openness to revising self-governance laws if desired by Greenlandic authorities.

Faroese Aspirations

Autonomy in International Affairs

• The speaker acknowledges recent visits to the Faroe Islands and emphasizes their desire for independent representation in international organizations like WTO.

• A joint request has been made regarding Faroese membership in WTO under their own name—a significant step towards greater autonomy.

Addressing Local Concerns

Legislative Actions on Wildlife Management

• Recent legislative measures aim to address public concerns about wolves causing distress among communities by facilitating better regulation of problematic wildlife.

Economic Pressures

• Rising prices on essential goods have been noted; efforts are underway to control inflation while acknowledging that some prices remain excessively high.

Enhancements in Social Welfare and Health Care

Improvements for Single Parents and Pensioners

• The government has provided tax relief for single parents, resulting in increased financial support.

• The pension has risen, allowing pensioners to receive up to 7,000 DKK more annually.

• For those receiving the elderly check, the increase can reach up to 13,000 DKK.

Support for Fertility Treatments

• Expansion of fertility treatments allows double the attempts for first-time parents and free assistance for a second child.

• This initiative aims to help more young Danes struggling with involuntary childlessness.

Driving Regulations for Youth

• New regulations permit 17-year-olds to drive during daytime hours, facilitating easier access to education and apprenticeships.

Cancer Treatment Focus

• One in three Danes will face cancer before age 75; thus, there is an urgent need to improve post-cancer life quality.

• Upcoming cancer plan five will provide significant funding aimed at tailored treatment pathways and prevention strategies.

Addressing Hair Loss from Chemotherapy

• Introduction of cooling caps for women undergoing breast cancer treatment aims to reduce hair loss associated with chemotherapy.

Broader Healthcare Initiatives

Strengthening Elderly Care Teams

• Establishment of fixed teams in elderly care ensures that seniors are familiar with caregivers visiting their homes.

Educational Reforms

• Junior master teacher programs allow disengaged teens to work instead of remaining in traditional schooling environments.

Environmental Commitments

• Significant investments are being made into healthcare—more than any previous government—to enhance service delivery and patient care.

Achievements Post-COVID

• The government’s health emergency plan has successfully reduced waiting times for somatic treatments back to pre-pandemic levels by nine days.

Future Plans in Mental Health

Long-term Strategy for Psychiatry

• A comprehensive ten-year plan has been established with a budget increase of 4.6 billion DKK annually dedicated to mental health services.

Historical Context of European Cooperation

Reflection on European Unity

• Discussion on the origins of European cooperation dating back 75 years highlights its significance amidst current global tensions.

Schuman's Vision

• Robert Schuman proposed uniting French and German coal and steel production under a common authority as a means toward peace—a foundational moment leading to the EU's creation.

Challenges Facing Europe Today

The ongoing war in Ukraine, tensions between nuclear neighbors Pakistan and India, and worsening conditions in Gaza underscore the importance of unity among European nations.

The State of Europe and the Importance of Democracy

Current Challenges Facing Europe

• The population in Gaza is facing a dire lack of access to food, water, and medicine amidst global uncertainty regarding support for democratic ideals that have united the free world for generations.

• The speaker emphasizes the need to hold onto democracy and fight for it within a strong Denmark and Europe, asserting that Europe is not just a geographical location but an idea rooted in values.

Defining European Values

• Europe embodies fundamental values such as democracy, individual rights, respect for community, progress through science and reason, and freedom of thought and expression.

• The essence of European culture includes contributions from historical figures like Mozart, Picasso, Darwin, and others who represent the intellectual spirit of Europe.

Europe's Rich Diversity

• The speaker lists various cultural icons (e.g., Anne Frank, Einstein), highlighting how they contribute to Europe's rich tapestry of ideas and creativity.

• Acknowledges both the challenges (bureaucracy, Brexit) and strengths (resilience after crises) that define Europe's identity as a diverse community capable of rising again.

Commitment to Strengthening Alliances

• Expresses pride in Denmark's achievements while also recognizing the importance of a strong alliance with neighboring countries to ensure national security.

• Highlights optimism due to leadership from major European nations like Germany and France as well as Britain's return to collaborative efforts.

Defense Preparedness Against Threats

• Asserts that Denmark will take on EU leadership soon with a focus on advancing continental unity while ensuring citizens' safety against external threats.

• Emphasizes the necessity for self-defense capabilities to deter potential aggressors like Russia from further military actions in Europe.

Historical Context & Future Actions

• Reflecting on 80 years since WWII ended; stresses that this year’s commemoration must go beyond words into actionable commitments towards defense.

• Thanks Danish citizens for their support in historic decisions made by Parliament regarding Ukraine's situation amid broader geopolitical tensions with Russia.

Addressing Russian Aggression

• Warned against underestimating Putin's ambitions which extend beyond Ukraine; calls for vigilance against potential conflicts involving NATO.

• Advocates for bolstering Ukraine’s future while preparing defenses against any expansionist moves by Russia into other European territories.

National Identity & Defense Strategy

• Questions what kind of nation Denmark wants to be if unwilling to defend itself; warns against complacency regarding national security.

• Urges rebuilding Denmark's defense industry while ensuring supply chains are robust enough to meet military needs effectively.

This structured summary captures key themes discussed in the transcript while providing timestamps linked directly back to specific moments in the content.

Strengthening Denmark's Defense and Economy

Enhancements to National Defense

• Denmark is enhancing its defense capabilities in the Baltic Sea with infantry stationed on Bornholm and acquiring coastal missile defenses for security in Danish waters.

• Plans include increasing the number of conscripts for both defense and emergency preparedness, with a longer operational service that applies to both men and women.

• The establishment of ground-based air defense systems is underway, alongside ambitions to build military ships in Denmark for the maritime home guard.

Economic Resilience Amidst Global Challenges

• Russia remains a significant gas supplier to EU countries, which poses challenges as every euro spent on Russian gas supports Putin's war efforts.

• Denmark aims to transition towards more green energy sources, leveraging its position as a leader in wind power, currently generating over 50% of electricity from wind turbines.

Future Energy Initiatives

• Agreements have been reached for new tenders for three offshore wind farms that could supply power to 3 million households, significantly boosting Danish offshore wind production.

• Excess energy produced can be sold to neighboring countries, contributing not only to national but also European energy independence.

Economic Stability and Social Welfare

• Despite global uncertainties such as potential trade wars with the USA, Denmark's economy remains robust with record employment levels and low unemployment rates.

• There are anticipated financial obligations related to defense, climate protection, emergency preparedness, and welfare; last year marked the largest increase in municipal welfare in over 15 years.

Immigration Policy Concerns

• The need for prioritization arises amidst various external threats; immigration has become a contentious issue within Europe due to high levels of uncontrolled migration leading to serious consequences.

• Acknowledgment that while many immigrants contribute positively, there exists a minority resistant to integration which exacerbates issues like crime and social unrest.

Calls for Stricter Immigration Control

• Emphasis on controlling Europe's external borders and implementing proposals for centers outside Europe; decisions regarding who enters should be democratic.

• Critique of current international conventions that may protect individuals who threaten societal stability; calls for greater autonomy in expelling those who commit serious crimes.

Prioritizing National Security

• The speaker stresses that national safety must take precedence over other considerations; criminal activities by immigrants undermine freedom and public safety.

• Notable concern about the overrepresentation of male immigrants from non-Western countries in crime statistics highlights ongoing challenges related to gang violence affecting community safety.

Criminal Justice Reform in Denmark

Introduction to Crime Policy Changes

• The Prime Minister discusses the need for stricter and more consistent measures against crime, highlighting recent initiatives like double penalties for gang-related crimes.

• Acknowledges that despite these efforts, current sentences for violent crimes are too lenient, leading to insufficient prison time for offenders.

Proposed Reforms and Their Rationale

• A forthcoming reform aims to significantly increase penalties for violent crimes, addressing a rise in reported violence over the past decade.

• Emphasizes the importance of harsher sentences reflecting the severity of crimes, particularly focusing on serious offenses such as aggravated assault and group rapes.

Personal Reflections on Crime and Rehabilitation

• The speaker shares personal experiences from their youth in Aalborg, which shaped their initial approach towards rehabilitation and resocialization of offenders.

• Recognizes a shift in societal issues with individuals exhibiting extreme violence; calls for tougher responses while still aiming to rehabilitate those who can be saved.

Social Policy Goals within Criminal Justice Reform

• The reform includes social policy objectives aimed at providing better opportunities for young people to avoid criminal paths.

• Highlights the need to view vulnerable individuals struggling with addiction as people needing help rather than just criminals.

Implementation Challenges and Support Systems

• Stresses the necessity of increasing prison capacity and hiring more staff to support the new reforms effectively.

• Expresses gratitude towards prison staff for their essential work and acknowledges improvements made in their working conditions.

Conclusion: Political Collaboration and Future Outlook

• Reflecting on political achievements during challenging times, emphasizes collaboration across party lines to enhance safety and welfare in Denmark.

• Concludes with a vision of resilience through adversity, reinforcing commitment towards creating a safer society.