Lars Weiss is currently uncertain about assuming the role of Mayor of Copenhagen, a position that may seem like a formality. Despite various positive indications, there is still no complete consensus regarding his appointment.

Following the resignation of Sophie Hæstorp Andersen from her role as Mayor to become the Minister of Social Affairs and Housing, it was quickly announced that Lars Weiss (S) would take over her position. This announcement was made by Laura Rosenvinge (S), who serves on the Finance Committee and is the political spokesperson for the Social Democrats (Socialdemokratiet) in Copenhagen.

However, it is not guaranteed that Weiss can simply assume the position without further proceedings. Roger Buch, a political researcher at the Danish School of Media and Journalism (Danmarks Medie- og Journalisthøjskole), points out that other parties in the City Council (Borgerrepræsentationen) can also propose an alternative candidate, which could lead to a vote at an extraordinary meeting.

Professor Ulrik Kjær from the University of Southern Denmark (Syddansk Universitet) agrees and emphasizes that the Social Democrats should negotiate with other parties, as they do not hold an absolute majority. He describes the announcement from Laura Rosenvinge as “clumsy wording” and notes that other parties need to be involved in the decision regarding the mayoralty.

A crisis meeting held at City Hall on Thursday, following Hæstorp Andersen’s departure, revealed that many within the City Council find the announcement hasty. Both the Moderate Party (Radikale Venstre) and the Socialist People’s Party (Socialistisk Folkeparti) have not yet cast their votes, but the Culture and Leisure Mayor, Mia Nyegaard (R), mentioned that Lars Weiss is a likely candidate.

Roger Buch assesses that the City Council will probably adhere to the agreement established during the municipal elections in 2021, which dictated that the Mayor should be from the Social Democrats. He expects that Lars Weiss will be elected but notes that a majority must support him, which he considers realistic given the left-leaning majority in the municipality.