In a festive atmosphere at Refshaleøen in Copenhagen, Foreign Minister and party leader Lars Løkke Rasmussen’s 60th birthday was celebrated in style. The large gray warehouse was packed to the brim with society’s elite, who had gathered to honor the charismatic politician. The party featured an impressive gift table, where bottles of wine, beer, and champagne quickly piled up, and staff had to regularly clean up to make room for new gifts. Among the guests was Nick Hækkerup, current director of the Brewers’ Association (Bryggeriforeningen) and former Social Democratic politician, who brought a basket filled with Danish beers, a nod to earlier times when the two politicians would often discuss important issues over a cold beer.
During the party, many anecdotes were shared about Lars Løkke Rasmussen, portraying him as both a warm person and a dramatic politician. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen joked with a big grin about how Løkke can be quite the “dramaqueen” during government meetings if things don’t go his way. Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who was first elected to the Folketing in 1994, has had a long and influential career in Danish politics, leaving his mark on the healthcare system with the introduction of cancer packages.
Despite previous turbulence surrounding his persona, he stands stronger and more clear-headed today, which he himself confirmed by expressing a greater satisfaction with life compared to his 50th birthday. Although a portrait of him as prime minister has not yet been painted, and he still toys with the idea of once again taking on the country’s highest political position, Lars Løkke Rasmussen seems relaxed and ready to enjoy the evening, which will also be remembered for the many bottles of alcohol, as he wryly remarked it would probably take some time to get through.