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Last Week in Denmark (05.04-12.04) Episode 13 Year 6

What did we learn this week?

1. Moderaterne (Social Liberals) leader rejects talks unless a government across the middle is considered. Venstre (Liberals) is open.

2. Denmark is going offline: running events are booming, backyard saunas are popping up, and even dating is getting fresh air again.

3. The ceasefire eased oil prices, but was too late to prevent higher construction costs. Expect to pay more for spring projects.

Letter from the editor

Today we hope for good news from Hungary. The pro-European forces are battling the pro-Russian forces that have ruled the country for the last 16 years. This election is not only important for Hungarians, but for all of us, as it can either strengthen or further weaken Europe. So, I hope to see victory tomorrow morning.

Also, I want to wish Happy Orthodox Easter to everyone celebrating. I know the struggle of choosing whether to celebrate Easter twice, and for nearly a decade I managed to celebrate on both occasions. Now, to be fair, I celebrate neither - only the Bunny and its chocolate egg hunt.

Further, I want to thank everyone who was patient during the situation with the newsletter last Sunday. Substack kinda pulled the rug from under us by using a sending server tainted by spammers. If this ever happens again, please check your “SPAM” folder and press “Not Spam” so we can teach the algorithms to trust us. Unless we announce a break, always expect a newsletter edition sometime between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM. Not to forget, a deep reverence to the hundreds of kind messages.

In political Denmark, not much is happening. The new Parliament kickstarted, but as many members are new, there will be a learning curve before we see them in action. The government negotiations are stalled as Moderaterne (Social Liberals) do not want to play with Enhedslisten (Red-Green Alliance) and Alternativet (Greens), therefore pushing Mette Frederiksen to bring Venstre (Liberals) and Konservative (Conservatives) to play. As mentioned before, a red-purple (left-wing + centrist) government would be ideal for us, however a government across-the-middle would still be better than new elections.

The movement that aims to unite internationals, Our Voice, has launched a new challenge. They want 80% voting presence from internationals living in Denmark at the local and regional elections in 2029. A great goal to have and one that I definitely share, as I have worked since 2013 to encourage internationals to vote. After more than a decade, I would say that even 40-50% would represent a victory for us, considering we are hovering at 20-30% today. In the same line, InDe is inviting internationals to come together and understand how to influence policymaking on April 16 in Copenhagen.

If you want to meet in Copenhagen, I will be there on April 23 for the Stakeholder Policy Lab on Migrant Career Development, to which you are also invited.

Thank you for reading and sharing Last Week in Denmark!

Narcis George Matache, Executive Editor, LWID

P.S - This week humanity made a great step forward in space. Thanks to the success of the Artemis II mission we might soon see a human base on the Moon. It only took 50 years to send people back to the Moon. Let’s hope it will be faster next time.

Our long-form articles this week…

1. A Political Request: Fairer Taxes for Internationals, by Juan Álvarez

2. Denmark’s Saunagus Culture, by Daniel Sfita

3. Furnish your apartment for free at your local recycling centre, by Daniel Sfita

4. 20 AI Tools to Help You Navigate Danish Life, by Daniel Sfita

Want to dig deeper into the latest news? Check out the Last Week in Denmark podcast. New episodes drop on all podcast apps and YouTube every Wednesday. Follow us now so you don’t miss it.

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Are you interested in the situation of migrant workers trapped in low-skill, low-pay jobs? Or maybe you already are working with it? Join us at the Stakeholder Policy Lab on Migrant Career Development on April 23, 13:00-16:00, at 3F Forbund (Kampmannsgade 4, Copenhagen). Sign up here.

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Image(s) of the Week

📸 Check out pictures of the Earth and the Moon from the current NASA space mission.

📸 The photos nominated for the World Press Photo award.

Danish Politics HQ

Political scene

🏛️ Government talks have hit a new breaking point, as Moderaterne (Social Liberals) leader Lars Løkke Rasmussen refuses to negotiate with Mette Frederiksen unless centre-right parties are included. He is pushing for Venstre (Liberals) and Konservative (Conservatives) to join the talks and focus on economic reforms, warning he will walk away otherwise. The move increases pressure on Frederiksen to change strategy and signals growing frustration with negotiations focused on the red bloc (left-wing). If no compromise is found, talks may have to restart with a new setup altogether.

🏛️ Venstre (Liberals) now says it will not rule out working with Mette Frederiksen. Deputy leader Stephanie Lose confirmed the party is open to negotiations across the political middle if economic policy aligns, even if it means Frederiksen remains prime minister. Venstre still prefers to try forming a centre-right government first, but signals it will join talks in any format.

🗳️ Support for a government across the middle is rising after the election, as no clear majority has emerged. A new poll shows 42% now prefer a red-purple-blue (center) government, up from 35% during the election, reflecting what many see as the only realistic option. Still, voters remain divided, with similar shares backing traditional red (left-wing) or blue (right-wing) governments. At the same time, Mette Frederiksen remains the preferred prime minister for about half of voters, well ahead of her rivals.

🌍 Donald Trump has again criticized NATO and brought up Greenland, calling it “a large, poorly managed piece of ice” and linking it to tensions around Iran. Analysts say the repeated mention reflects ongoing frustration after allies rejected his earlier attempts to gain control over the island. His comments come amid broader criticism of NATO’s role and hints that the US is reconsidering its position in the alliance. NATO leadership describes the talks as open, but the situation adds new uncertainty to transatlantic relations.

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Daily Life in Denmark HQ

💘 A new dating trend where friends “pitch” their single friends on social media is gaining attention and could take off locally as people grow tired of dating apps. In one case, a man received over 100 messages after his friend posted a short video presenting him, leading to real-life dates and eventually a relationship. Experts say the concept feels more authentic and fits well with local culture, where self-promotion is often frowned upon, and say it could signal a shift toward more social, offline dating experiences.

Read more: Intent - the ethical dating app where you’re seen not swiped

🏡 A Danish film director is pushing back against “perfect home” culture by refusing to tidy up before appearing on TV, highlighting growing frustration with unrealistic standards. Anna Emma Haudal says years of pressure to maintain a spotless home led to stress and anxiety, until she consciously chose to accept the mess and prioritize well-being and social life instead. Her approach reflects a broader shift, where more people question idealized lifestyles seen on social media and instead embrace realistic, lived-in homes.

🏃 Running events are booming across the country as more people turn exercise into social experiences rather than just fitness routines. From themed runs with music or costumes to intense long-distance challenges, running has become an “event” in itself. A philosopher explains the trend as a response to modern stress and constant digital distraction, with running offering a rare mental break where you cannot scroll or multitask.

🛁 More people are turning their gardens into private wellness spaces, with demand for outdoor spas and saunas rising sharply again after a post-pandemic dip. Companies report strong sales across all price ranges, from 25,000 to 250,000 DKK, driven by a focus on health and spending offline time with others. Experts say the trend reflects both lifestyle priorities and disposable income among some households.

⛪ Many teenagers are choosing to be baptized later in life in order to take part in confirmation, with the number rising by around 70% over the past five years. Many were not baptized as children and now make the decision themselves, often motivated by a mix of personal belief and the desire to be part of a shared experience with classmates. Churches are adapting by organizing group baptisms to handle the growing demand, highlighting how confirmation remains a strong social tradition.

Read more: Coming of age the Danish way - Konfirmation

🧑‍⚖️ Men are reaching out for help with partner violence, with inquiries to support centers rising by 30% in 2025. Experts link the increase partly to a 2024 law change that gave men equal access to shelters and support services, making it easier to seek help. At the same time, stigma and gender norms still prevent many from coming forward, meaning the real number of cases is likely higher.

🏠 Homeowners are rushing to clean and paint asbestos roofs before a July 1 ban ends the practice, causing a surge in demand for roof services. The ban aims to reduce health risks from spreading asbestos dust, but industry groups warn it could leave especially rural homeowners stuck with aging roofs they cannot afford to replace, as full replacement can cost up to ten times more.

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Danish Economics HQ

Our money

📚 A newly translated book challenges the role of debt in modern life, arguing that it is not just financial but deeply tied to power and social relationships. Anthropologist David Graeber’s work questions why debt is seen as a moral obligation when it is a human-made system, and suggests society could rethink it entirely. Researchers say the book invites reflection rather than offering concrete solutions, but highlights how deeply debt shapes everyday decisions.

🚴 Wolt couriers in Copenhagen are striking over falling pay, pointing to a gap between official figures and real earnings. The company says riders earn over 200 DKK per active hour, but this only counts time spent on deliveries, not waiting between orders. Couriers say actual earnings can drop closer to 100–160 DKK per hour when all time and costs are included. The dispute reflects broader concerns about gig work, where income depends heavily on demand and conditions.

State of the markets

🏗️ Building materials prices are rising sharply again, pushing some people to delay construction projects and forcing companies to tighten conditions. A roofing company reports price increases of 12 to 16% on materials like roofing felt, driven by higher oil and plastic costs linked to global tensions. Some projects could become significantly more expensive, with full house work rising by up to 50,000 to 60,000 DKK. In response, companies now shorten the period for how long their offer remains valid and advise customers to lock prices in quickly to avoid further increases.

⛽ Oil prices dropped sharply after a temporary Middle East ceasefire, but fuel prices at the pump are only falling slightly for now. While global oil fell by around 13%, petrol prices dropped by just 30 øre and diesel by about one DKK, mainly due to refining delays and supply issues. Diesel remains unusually more expensive than petrol because Europe depends on imports affected by regional tensions. Experts say it could take several months before lower oil prices fully reach consumers.

🪖 Companies are increasingly targeting Greenland as billions are poured into Arctic defense, creating new business opportunities linked to military buildup. A Danish firm traveled there to showcase all-terrain vehicles designed for extreme conditions, hoping to secure contracts with the armed forces. Industry groups say around 65% of defense-related companies now have an Arctic focus, reflecting growing geopolitical attention on the region.

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International Community HQ

🌆 An international couple who moved to Copenhagen for its “perfect city” image left after 1.5 years, saying reality did not match expectations. They praised work-life balance and city design, but struggled with social integration, high living costs, and job access without higher education. They describe people as distant and rule-focused, with difficulty building friendships and adapting to social norms, especially as new parents. Their story highlights a gap between Copenhagen’s global image and everyday life.

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Community Noticeboard

Groove – Dance for Fun with Anne Kragelund 📍 Roberta’s Society, Aarhus | 🗓 Monday, April 13, 19:00 | Free (book in advance) A fun, no-pressure dance class 🔗 Find out more here

Children & Language: Helping Your Child Thrive in Denmark 📍 Online (International House Copenhagen) | 🗓 Tuesday, April 14, 16:30–17:30 | Free 🔗 Sign up here

Parenting Across Cultures 📍Cafe Sweet Surrender, Copenhagen | 🗓️ Wednesday, April 15, 10:00-11:30 🔗 Sign up

RAMA Festival Aalborg 📍Det Jyske Musikkonservatorium, Aalborg | 🗓 Friday & Saturday, April 17-18 | Two days of free concerts, installations and performances by music students in Aalborg. 🔗Find out more here

Copenhagen Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival 📍Langelinie Park, Copenhagen | 🗓 Saturday & Sunday April 18-19, all day | Free 🔗 Find out more here

Danish Science Festival (Forskningens Døgn) — Nationwide 📍Universities, libraries & institutions across all of Denmark | 🗓 April 17-26 | Mostly free. Runs across Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg and beyond. Check the program for English-language events. 🔗Read more here

➕ Hosting something relevant to internationals in Denmark? Send it to us at noticeboard@lwid.dk

Denmark in Global Headlines

⚓ “Archaeologists discover wreck of Danish warship sunk by Admiral Nelson 225 years ago” – The Guardian

🪖 “US begins secret talks for new military bases in Greenland” – The Telegraph

🔥 “My NATO rage began with Greenland, Trump says” – Politico

🧊 “‘We are not some piece of ice’: Greenland hits back at Trump’s Arctic insult” – Reuters

🗳️ “‘I want to make myself obsolete’: the MP fighting for Greenland’s self-governance” – The Guardian