Anders Vistisen (DF), arrived in Hørsholm on Thursday with very few words to spare. Prior to the final debate in the European Parliament election campaign, 365nyt.dk sought a comment on whether he finances his ads with EU funds. However, he refused to answer this question. The rules in this context state that EU politicians are not allowed to use EU funds to finance ads that have the character of a party political campaign or election campaign.
However, a number of images in Anders Vistisen’s Facebook ads bear the logo of the MEP (Member of the European Parliament) group ID, in the top right corner. In order to receive financial support from the EU, the ads must bear the logo of the EP group in the same position. According to Berlingske, Anders Vistisen has spent over half a million kroner on ads, “partially” paid with EU funds.
Roger Buch, research lecturer and center director at the Danish School of Media and Journalism, assesses that these ads potentially may be in violation of EU rules, depending on the extent and specific details of financing with EU funds. Despite this assessment, Anders Vistisen does not wish to elaborate further. When confronted by Berlingske, he dismisses the criticism, but also refuses to specify which ads are financed with EU funds.
Dansk Folkeparti (Danish People’s Party) press chief, Erik Møller, stated in an email to 365nyt.dk that money has been used from various sources for advertising. This includes the party’s own funds, citizen contributions, information funds, as well as Anders Vistisen’s own funds. Subsequently, the Danish People’s Party has decided to involve a lawyer in relation to Roger Buch, which he perceives as a threat and an attempt to intimidate him into not commenting on the matter.