The country’s political leaders marked the 175th anniversary of the Constitution on Wednesday despite a rainy day. The celebration took place on a day central to Danish history, Constitution Day, where the leaders of the parties in the parliament highlighted the importance of the Constitution and Danish democracy. Several of them emphasized that the Constitution should not be taken for granted. Lars Løkke Rasmussen, the Leader of the Conservatives (Moderaternes) and Minister of Foreign Affairs, described the Constitution as “robust with patina” and acknowledged how it has been adapted over time to meet the needs of modern society. Inger Støjberg, the leader of the Denmark Democrats (Danmarksdemokraterne), emphasized the value of the Constitution in a time marked by unfree forces around the world, and described it as a strong foundation.
The celebration began with a festive church service at Holmens Church, and later continued in the Landsting Hall at Christiansborg, where the royal family also participated. The leader of the Socialist People’s Party (SF), Pia Olsen Dyhr, who accompanied Inger Støjberg, pointed out that their cooperation, despite political disagreements, is a good example of the significance of the Constitution. “This is how politics work in Denmark – we can talk across differences and still vehemently disagree,” she said. The Minister of Defense and leader of the Liberal Party (Venstres), Troels Lund Poulsen, noted that the celebration was an important mark of the good state of democracy in Denmark. However, he also reminded that not far from Denmark, people are fighting for the same rights, referring to the war in Ukraine.