In a recent development in Danish politics, Stine Bosse, the Moderates’ (Moderaternes) lead candidate for the European Parliament elections, has attracted attention with her statement that Denmark could potentially accept up to 7,000 refugees annually as part of a common EU redistribution agreement. This statement, first made in interviews with Jyllands-Posten and Altinget, was later retracted as a misunderstanding. Lars Løkke Rasmussen, leader of the Moderates and former Prime Minister, has chosen not to directly comment on Bosse’s original statement or the subsequent retraction. “Stine Bosse has stated what is relevant in this case,” said Løkke, clearly aiming to avoid further speculation on internal differences of opinion within the party.
Reactions to Bosse’s statements have been mixed. Some see it as an open and progressive approach to the EU’s refugee issue, while others criticize it as unrealistic and potentially damaging to the Moderates’ image as a responsible centrist party. Internally within the party, the statements have also caused confusion, leading immigration spokesperson Mohammad Rona to discuss the matter with Bosse to clarify the party’s policy. Bosse subsequently clarified that the figure of 7,000 was meant as a hypothetical scenario far in the future and not as a current political strategy. “It is a worst-case scenario, far, far in the future. It is certainly not something that applies here and now,” Bosse told Ritzau. This episode illustrates the challenges politicians face when balancing expressing visionary ideas and navigating the nuanced realities of the political landscape.
It remains unclear how this issue will impact the Moderates’ position in the upcoming European Parliament elections, and whether there will be further internal discussions on the party’s refugee policy.