During his May 1st speech in Fælledparken in Copenhagen, Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard (S) faced challenges as he was met with protests and boos. The speech, which traditionally celebrates the labor movement, was interrupted several times by demonstrators waving Palestinian flags and expressing their dissatisfaction with the current situation in the Middle East. Hummelgaard, standing on the stage in front of a mixed audience, had to temporarily pause and address the demonstrators directly. “I don’t know if everyone out there can hear it, but there are a few who have come to drown out my speech,” he said from the podium. After resuming his speech, Hummelgaard took a moment to acknowledge the demonstrators’ right to express their frustrations. “To you. I understand that you are upset. I understand the frustration. There is a need for a ceasefire and in the long term a peaceful two-state solution. You have the right to be here with your views. But so do I,” he explained. The Minister of Justice also emphasized the importance of maintaining a democratic debate in Denmark, even in the face of international conflicts. “I do not believe it should destroy the democratic debate in Denmark. We all owe it to agree that Jews in Denmark should be able to live safely and securely,” said Hummelgaard. Despite the interruptions, Hummelgaard managed to complete his speech, which was met with applause from parts of the audience who supported his message of peace and democracy.

Read the danish version here