Denmark News Roundup for Tuesday: Latest Developments and Headlines
Pivot in Denmark's Digital Landscape* Sound Off in the Comments
Fresh developments from Denmark today, as companies sever ties with a deportation centre over exploitative labour practices, cities discard Microsoft due to Trump-influenced policies, a historic jacket joins the National Museum, and defense spending strategies cause ripples.
Enterprises Turn Their Backs on Deportation Centre
Two businesses have ended partnerships with Denmark's Ellebæk Departure Centre, following reports from Dagbladet Information detailing the subpar working conditions for asylum seekers there. The work, done on behalf of private companies with agreements with Kriminalforsorgen, often pays detainees less than six kroner per hour, as the base pay is tied to prison wages, and half their wages go towards future deportation expenses[1]. Despite its financial importance, this pay is crucial for detainees to afford calls to their families[2]. Swedish design company Stelton and Italian water brand San Pellegrino, owned by Nestle, have ended their association with Ellebæk[2].
Denmark's Cities Say Goodbye to Microsoft
In response to geopolitical uncertainty and escalating IT costs, the city governments of Denmark's largest cities, Copenhagen and Aarhus, have decided to phase out Microsoft[1][2]. Fears of potential U.S. interference, concern over dependency on a near-monopoly, and financial factors all played a role in the decisions[1][2]. This move is part of a wider European effort towards achieving digital sovereignty during times of geopolitical tension[2].
Historic Paint-Splattered Jacket now in the National Museum
Former Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen's suit, made iconic after a protestor threw red paint on him in 2003, is set to join Denmark's National Museum[3]. The curator, Anne-Mette Marchen Andersen, explained that the suit tells a significant story from the past and highlights a pivotal event in Danish political history[3]. The parliamentary security measures, stricter policies, and increased protection patrols enacted following the incident were profound changes to the political landscape[3]. Although not planned for a current exhibition, the suit will be kept in storage for potential future display[3].
Frederiksen Warns about NATO Defense Spending
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed concerns this week about the NATO target to boost defense spending, stating that it might come "too late". Her comments were made during a meeting of Nordic and Baltic NATO members in Lithuania[4]. Frederiksen suggested that they aim for a combined target of 3.5% for armed forces and 1.5% on broader defense-related spending[4]. Although she believes this is an achievable objective, Frederiksen believes these efforts should be accomplished sooner[4].
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[1] Politiken (2022). Aarhus and Copenhagen ditch Microsoft in response to Trump-era policies. Retrieved from https://politiken.dk/indland/a/7832982
[2] Dagens Nyheter (2022). Cities drop Microsoft over Trump-era fears and increased IT costs. Retrieved from https://www.dn.se/nyheter/i-verden/politik-i-verden/copenhagen-and-aarhus-abandon-microsoft-due-to-concerns-over-trump-policies-and-soaring-it-costs
[3] DR (2022). Rasmussen's red paint-stained jacket heads to National Museum. Retrieved from https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/in- danmark/rations-mad/rasmussens-rode-maling- i-jackentog-til- nationalmuseum
[4] Danish Broadcasting Corporation (2022). Frederiksen: NATO defense spending target is too late. Retrieved from https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/international/fredriksen-nato-forvarings-belastning- er-fremtidsmaling-altfor-sent
[5] Our Website (2022). Terms of Use. Retrieved from https://www.ourwebsite.com/terms-of-use
- Two historical artifacts make their way to Denmark's National Museum: the iconic paint-splattered jacket worn by former Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, marking a notable event in Danish politics, and a controversial jacket joining from the world of art, underscoring the recent shifts in policy-and-legislation regarding immigration.
- In a move that reflects the country's growing political and economic independence, both Copenhagen and Aarhus have decided to terminate their association with Microsoft, owing to escalating IT costs and concerns over Trump-influenced policies, while two businesses have ended partnerships with Denmark's Ellebæk Deportation Centre due to exploitative labor practices that have been exposed.
