In a recent development, Folkemødet (The People’s Meeting) has clarified its stance on demonstrators attempting to disrupt debates and events. An invitation from the leadership of Folkemødet to potentially loud demonstrators to come on stage and express their views has sparked significant debate over the weekend. On Sunday evening, it was firmly stated in a press release that individuals and groups intentionally trying to disrupt debates and shut down others’ conversations are not welcome on stage. This was reported by Berlingske, a Danish newspaper.
On Friday, Folkemødet sent an email to their partners and organizers considering inviting demonstrators onto the stage if loud protests were to arise. This invitation has drawn criticism from several political parties. The leader of the Danish People’s Party (Dansk Folkeparti), Morten Messerschmidt, called the invitation “shameful,” while Steffen Larsen from the Liberal Alliance described it as “an antidemocratic stance.” The management of Folkemødet acknowledges that the message to the organizers has “triggered a debate.” Director Peter Christiansen explained on Friday to Berlingske that the invitation to invite demonstrators should only apply if the protests were relevant to the specific event.
Additionally, Folkemødet emphasized in Sunday’s press release that they strongly condemn demonstrators who try to force their way onto a stage or an event without a legitimate invitation.