The former Deputy Chairman of the Social Democrats (Socialdemokratiet) and Minister, Kjeld Olesen, has passed away at the age of 92. The news was confirmed by his family to the Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet.

Kjeld Olesen, known as “Beautiful Kjeld,” played a significant role at Christiansborg, the seat of the Danish Parliament, during the 1970s and 1980s. He served as Minister of Defence under both Jens Otto Krag and Anker Jørgensen, and later held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs during Jørgensen’s second term as Prime Minister. In addition to his ministerial roles, Olesen also served as Deputy Chairman of the Social Democrats for seven years.

Former Danish Minister of Justice (Justitsminister) Karl Hjortnæs has stated to Ekstra Bladet that Olesen continued to keep up with societal developments right up until his death. Hjortnæs mentioned that the two met several times a year, with their last meeting occurring about a month before Olesen’s passing.

Kjeld Olesen died on July 25, but no cause of death has been disclosed. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.