Denmark debates funding therapy for losing politicians
The Speaker of the Folketing (Parliament) of Denmark, Soeren Gade, has proposed providing specialized psychological support to members of parliament who were not re-elected. This therapy would be financed with public funds.
- Some of my colleagues fell into depression or experienced states resembling this illness after the last elections - Gade argued in an interview with the Danish public broadcaster, DR. He did not disclose the names of the affected members of parliament.
The head of the Folketing described the parliament as a "strange workplace" where there is no support for politicians who are dismissed. - In large corporations or municipal offices, there are programs to help people leaving their jobs against their will - he emphasized.
Gade's proposal is currently being discussed by the parliament's presidium and the rules committee. Considerations include offering departing politicians, for example, eight sessions with a psychologist or an hour of consultation with a recruiter to assist them in their future careers.
The idea of publicly funded support for politicians who failed to secure re-election has sparked debate in Denmark. A columnist for the newspaper "Berlingske," Aminata Corr Thrane, labeled the idea "ill-conceived" and "bordering on absurdity."
- The lack of re-election is one of the fairest and most proper elements; it is the essence of democracy - she emphasized. She added that politicians rejected by voters do not form a vulnerable social group or a low-income group and can fund such therapy from their own resources.
Approx. $9,600 salary for a Danish member of parliament
The single-chamber Folketing comprises a total of 179 politicians from Denmark and Denmark's dependent territories: Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The last parliamentary elections took place in the fall of 2022, and the next must be called no later than 2026.
The basic salary of a Danish member of parliament is 66,800 kroner (nearly $9,600). After leaving parliament, the politician is entitled to severance pay equivalent to six to 24 months of salary, depending on tenure.
