Lars Løkke Rasmussen, former Prime Minister and current Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as leader of the Moderates (Moderates), has reflected on his long career in Danish politics in a new audiobook. The audiobook, titled “The Price of Liberation,” will be released in conjunction with Løkke’s 60th birthday on May 15. In the book, Løkke describes his time as an independent member of the Danish Parliament as an “extended recess,” where he had the opportunity to earn money outside the confines of politics. However, he admits that it did not provide the expected satisfaction, emphasizing that his commitment to politics is ultimately rooted in an inner drive rather than financial gain. Despite several controversial cases over the years, including expense scandals and internal disputes in Venstre (Liberal Party), Løkke does not feel that he has paid a great personal price for his political career. He points out that the joys of being a politician have outweighed the sorrows, and he feels that there is greater support for politicians in society than what the public debate often reflects.
Løkke has been an elected official almost continuously since he was elected to the municipal council in Græsted-Gilleleje Municipality at the age of 21. His political career has included two periods as Denmark’s Prime Minister and most recently as Minister of Foreign Affairs. “The Price of Liberation” is narrated to the author Kirsten Jacobsen, who also collaborated with Løkke on the book “The Moment of Liberation,” which gained attention during the 2019 election campaign. With this new release, Lars Løkke Rasmussen provides a personal insight into the ups and downs that have characterized his nearly 40-year political career, as well as the considerations and decisions that have shaped his life and work at the top of Danish politics.