Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has announced in the wake of a series of violent incidents among young people an intensification of penalties and more deportations. The announcement comes after Denmark has witnessed an increase in cases of violence involving young individuals, and Frederiksen emphasizes the need for tougher and faster penalties, as well as increased deportations. Mette Frederiksen points out that men of ethnic minority backgrounds are overrepresented in crime statistics, especially when it comes to group violent assaults and stabbings. This overrepresentation has prompted the Prime Minister to demand action. In her speech at the conclusion debate in the Folketing (Parliament) on Wednesday, she highlights the Folketing’s responsibility to protect the community and the innocent victims. – Our foremost task in this Folketing is to take care of the community, of the innocent, of the victims, and of Denmark. Let us, across party lines, take the next step, the Prime Minister urges.
Although tougher penalties have already been introduced through the latest gang package, Frederiksen suggests that more measures are on the way. However, she does not present any specific plans or details about future tightening in her speech. During the conclusion debate, Frederiksen mentions several incidents where young people have attacked other young individuals with weapons, including knives. She also highlights the security issues on the Copenhagen S-trains, which have been a focus area for her. She describes how some parents feel compelled to pay for taxis or hire guards to protect their children. – But what about all the other families? Those who do not have the option to pick up late at night, buy guards, or pay for a taxi. Those who are afraid that their son or daughter will be the next in the statistics as a victim or perpetrator, Mette Frederiksen elaborates.
The conclusion debate lasts all Wednesday and marks the end of the parliamentary year. At the same time, legislative work and other political activities continue at Christiansborg (Parliament) into the month of June.