In a recent speech, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized the labor market policy measures that are close to her heart, including wage increases for women in the public sector and the introduction of the Arne pension. These initiatives, she says, make her a “proud social democrat.” The speech, delivered in Haderslev in connection with May 1st, comes on the heels of the government’s decision to abolish Great Prayer Day and calls for Danes to work more due to the war in Ukraine. These decisions have been necessary to handle crisis times, Frederiksen emphasizes, but it does not change her focus on labor market policy. “Of course, there are decisions that fill the heart more than others,” says Mette Frederiksen, adding that improving conditions for welfare society employees and worn-out wage earners are core values for the Social Democrats. The Prime Minister acknowledges that compromises and tough decisions have been necessary during times of pandemic and war. “Democracy is collaboration,” she says, confirming that the Social Democrats are ready to take responsibility for Denmark, even when it requires difficult choices. Frederiksen’s speech reflects a balancing act between the need to make tough decisions in times of crisis and the desire to improve conditions for specific groups in the labor market that she believes deserve special attention.

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