The government announces a significant reduction in state administration from 2025 to increase funds for welfare. According to Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen, 1,000 full-time positions will be removed as part of a broader strategy to cut bureaucracy and redirect resources to more pressing needs in society. “When we urge municipalities and regions to streamline, it is only fair that we also reduce bureaucracy at the state level,” Wammen stated during negotiations for a new economic agreement with municipalities and regions.
In the future, the number of positions being cut will gradually increase, with the minister pointing out that the initial 1,000 full-time positions are just the beginning. The government has already chosen to save 400 million Danish kroner on state bureaucracy, but it is still unclear how much further savings will be made, as it depends on the specific positions affected.
“The release of a significant amount in the hundreds of millions, the exact amount of which is uncertain, will be directed towards strengthening welfare,” explained Wammen. The point of this strategy is to focus resources on essential tasks instead of burdening employees with more tasks. Wammen emphasizes that the goal is to eliminate certain tasks altogether, allowing for better prioritization of resources. “We see this as an opportunity for task reduction rather than forcing employees to run faster to achieve the same goals,” he said.
Despite the plans, it is still unclear which specific tasks will be cut in the future. However, Wammen hopes that this redirection of funds will strengthen municipal and regional welfare, especially concerning children, the elderly, and the healthcare sector.