February 5th, 2022

Share

Sunnier times ahead? (photo: Pixabay)

The winter storm was so bad at times that several Viking ships tried to escape, but it’s over now and we can see blue skies again.

Fulfilling his destiny
The same could probably be said about Morten Messerchmidt, the new leader of Dansk Folkeparti. His storm was a fraud conviction quashed shortly before Christmas and then the fight to take over the reins of power on January 23 – as the long anointed crown prince, it had always been his destiny. 

Seven years ago, DF was the largest blue party in Parliament. Today, it’s number four: a collection of former MPs, councillors and regional board members unlikely to regain their seats. It’s a tough gig for the born-again Christian, anti-EU leader (“Out of that maze”, he once shouted), particularly with the anti-immigration platform, DF’s bread and butter for years, so crowded of late.

Still, once election day comes within the next 18 months, DF’s 5 percent of the vote, which may very well edge up under Messerchmidt, could still be a decisive factor. 

Just another flu
By that time, Covid will hopefully be long in our rear-view window. On Tuesday the country woke up to a complete lifting of restrictions. Omicron may have been highly contagious, but its penetration has been a blessing in disguise. With herd immunity within our sights, we can now consider the virus as just another flu – albeit with complications when we travel.

There will be long-lasting effects, though, as our behaviour is likely changed forever. Indulging in fewer hugs, we will distance as a reflex, and many will continue to use their masks – on public transport and possibly even to avoid the flu. 

Rocky ground ahead?
Credit is due the government for the way it has handled corona, but it still has plenty of problems. 

First up, the children left behind in Syria. This ‘out of sight out of mind’ idea that Danes can be left to rot abroad is growing more unsavory by the minute. Key ally Enhedslisten has clearly had enough, promising it cannot continue supporting a government that does not bring these children home. 

And then there’s the early December imprisonment of the head of FE, the defence intelligence service. The media doesn’t know why yet, but clearly a scandal of some magnitude is brewing.

It will make Malik look like a bad draught in comparison.