May 28th, 2021

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PM Mette Frederiksen’s start to the month could have been so very different. But the traditional May 1 rally was cancelled, and she avoided the hecklers in the park.

And then one weekend later, she was celebrated … on Mother’s Day. In fact, her position as an icon is now growing to the point there is speculation that a general election could be called in September.

With 35 percent supporting her party alone, the Blue Bloc parties could be staring down the barrel at another four years in opposition.

Leader of the pack
First in line to view the carnage is the new ‘leader’ of the bloc: Konservative chair Pape Poulsen. His party has pulled well clear of a Venstre plummeting so hard in the polls it could even be overtaken by the uncompromised nationalism of Nye Borgerlige.

Don’t expect it to be Pape’s sidekick, though. Its leader Pernille Vermund has not been toeing the line regarding the corona reopenings, maintaining its allure for the disappointed followers of Dansk Folkeparti (DF) who can’t stomach the politics of the left.

DF, meanwhile, is understandably quieter than normal following the fall of grace of its formerly high-flying EU superstar Morten Messerschmitt. His fraudulent handling of EU money represented exactly the kind of union-related spending it has been so quick to denounce in recent years. The embarrassment should ensure they keep their heads down for a good while longer.

And finally, the allies on the left are also in trouble. The ace up their sleeve – standing up to the PM and making her sweat that she might have to call an election – has well and truly scarpered. Fail to support her and the wilderness beckons.

But could it backfire?
The government’s hard-line immigration policy remains its trump card.

Granted, it remains to be seen how long they can sit high in their tree and claim citizens with children in POW camps in Syria are not really Danish and deserving of being evacuated – regardless of whether they’re criminals.

It surely devalues the promises the state gives to new citizens if citizenship can be withdrawn so easily – particularly given the hoops they must jump through. And it’s worrying to see how its stance has permeated the media to the extent that most newspapers are defining these women and children as persons with a relationship to Denmark – not as citizens.

A way-out suggested by the foreign minister, Jeppe Kofod, which would separate the kids from their mothers isn’t going to cut the mustard with half the population. The forceful removal of kids, however troubled the families are, is never a vote-winner.

Good times ahead
So, the nation is holding its breath in the hope that vaccinations and social behaviour prevent another wave of the virus.

Masks and social distance are widely accepted, and football fans are back in the stands – albeit in smaller groups, but it’s an important outlet for frustration or joy.

Soon we will start picking up the bill for all the commotion. But in the meantime, unemployment is much lower than it could have been, and most entertainment and service-providers are back in business.

It is springtime. Enjoy!!!!