[Magic Number 90%]② 'What is Political Polarization?'... Witnessing 'Direct Democracy' in Denmark [Report]

Since 2011, a Gathering of Prime Ministers, Politicians, and Citizens
Political and Social Issue Discussions Across Over 2,800 Events
Constituency Lawmaker: "A Festival Inspired by Citizens"

Bornholm, located on the Baltic Sea coast 180 km southeast of Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Hundreds of tents were set up from early morning in Allinge, a small town with a population of 1,400 on the island's northern coast. The tents, prepared by various political parties including the ruling party, labor unions, and civic groups, were bustling with crowds. At Denmark's largest political event, Folkemøde, attendees freely exchanged political views. Birgit Hamming (45), a member of Denmark's progressive Red-Green Alliance, said, "I attended to recruit members because our vote count was low in the last election," emphasizing, "It is necessary to let everyone know that not everyone is a liberal or conservative; there are also socialists."

Folkemøde is a Danish political event that started in 2011 with the aim of narrowing the gap between citizens and policymakers, building trust, and strengthening democracy. Translated as "People's Meeting," this event is held annually for three days in mid-June on Bornholm. Except for 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been held every year and is regarded as a forum where diverse perspectives and opinions are reflected in policies through open discussions on political, economic, and social issues. Around 100,000 people have attended during Folkemøde, with a record of 45,000 visitors in a single day in 2019. This year’s Folkemøde took place from the 15th to the 17th of last month, featuring about 2,800 events.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is delivering a party leader speech on the main stage set up at Folkemøde held in Bornholm, Denmark.

"No Left or Right"… Danish Parties Gathered in One Place

On the 16th of last month, Folkemøde was filled with various political voices amid a festive atmosphere. First, more than ten party tents were set up near the main stage. Denmark is known for its multi-party parliament with as many as 16 parties represented. The ruling Social Democrats (Socialdemokratiet) have a centrist orientation, while the Moderates (Moderaterne) and the Radical Left (Radikale Venstre) are also classified as centrist parties. The Red-Green Alliance (Enhedslisten), Socialist People's Party (Socialistisk Folkeparti), and the Alternative (Alternativet) are progressive, whereas the Liberal Party (Venstre), Liberal Alliance, and Danish People's Party (Dansk Folkeparti) are conservative parties.

At Folkemøde that day, it was impressive to see politicians from different parties invited by other parties freely engaging in discussions. For example, at the Alternative party tent, a Radical Left party member was invited to jointly explore ways to increase citizen participation in political decision-making processes. Jeppe Bruus, Denmark’s Minister of Taxation and a member of the Social Democrats, also visited the Social Democrats’ tent and held discussions attended by people of all ages, from high school students to seniors over 60, both men and women.

Birgit Hamming (45), a member of the Green-Red Alliance, is giving an interview to Asia Economy.

Danish citizens visiting the Social Democratic tent to discuss with Jeppe Bruus, Minister of Taxation.

Jeppe Bruus, Minister of Taxation (center), is answering questions from citizens who visited Folkemoede.

This contrasts with the domestic political scene where the two major parties are in extreme confrontation. The ruling People Power Party and the main opposition Democratic Party have recently engaged in heated battles over issues such as the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan and the cancellation of the Seoul-Yangpyeong highway construction plan amid allegations of preferential treatment involving Kim Geon-hee’s land in Yangpyeong. There is no "politics of dialogue and compromise," only "politics of hatred" filled with harsh accusations, which has increased public distrust and resentment toward politics.

However, politicians met at Folkemøde appeared natural in discussing freely with citizens and seeking policy alternatives. Minister Bruus said, "Here, the distance between citizens and politicians is very close, making it easy to have conversations together," adding, "Today, we talked a lot about mostly economic issues such as inflation, and some people asked about difficulties in understanding the overall tax system."

The highlight of the day was the meeting between cabinet ministers and citizens. Crowds gathered 30 minutes early to listen to the speech by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, which started in the afternoon. Participants who could not find seats sat on the ground waiting for the speech. The Prime Minister, seated in the audience, gave a speech on "active euthanasia," following her opening remarks the previous day. Although there were some jeers, the speech was mostly listened to in a solemn atmosphere.

Various Political and Social Civic Groups Also Participated

Bornholm Allinge village is bustling with people who directly attended Folkemøde.

Hundreds of groups participating in Folkemøde heightened the festive atmosphere. This was different from domestic civic and social groups that oppose government policies through rallies and protests every weekend at Seoul City Hall or Gwanghwamun Square. The expressions of Folkemøde participants were generally bright. Stina Soewarta (57), Chair of the European Commission’s (EC) Digital Economy and Competitiveness Committee, said, "Here, people are not afraid to express different opinions and can engage in discussions," adding, "It becomes very special because discussions happen in a place where people can see each other, not just online." Mads Engholm (50), Chair of the psychiatric association BEDRE PSYKIATRI, said, "It is rare to have an opportunity to gather in such a small space," and "Although the discussions last only about 45 minutes, if priorities are well set, you can participate in many places and hear various perspectives."

Active participation by youth was also notable. About 100 tenth-grade students (equivalent to first-year high school students in Korea) from a high school in Copenhagen attended Folkemøde this year as well. Erik Gath (56), a teacher accompanying them, explained, "They want to learn about democracy and social participation. They learn how to raise their voices," adding, "There are various topics such as climate, space, and local politics, and they choose to listen to topics they find interesting." In Denmark, children join political organizations such as youth committees within parties from an early age and learn about democracy in the regular curriculum.

A survey conducted among people who attended Folkemøde last year showed that four out of five participants believe Folkemøde strengthens dialogue and democracy. Perhaps because of this, citizens’ reactions were positive. Amalie Pall (30), who came to Folkemøde with her husband while pregnant and carrying their 18-month-old baby, said, "It seems important that anyone who wants to come to the festival can enjoy and participate for free," adding, "Usually, people visit here with some purpose, but that is not necessary. It is good that anyone can come because it is free."

Bjorg Helsbad (27), studying veterinary medicine, said she came to Folkemøde to find solutions for livestock farmers to respond to the climate change crisis. Helsbad said, "I thought most people here come with some purpose, such as organizations, parties, or businesses they want to promote," adding, "Many people here have come to promote their own ideas."

However, a downside noted was that Bornholm, a famous tourist destination in Denmark and an island, experiences rapid sellouts of flights and ships during the event period, and accommodation costs rise sharply. The cost of setting up tents at the venue is also considerable, leading to criticism that the event is for "political elites."

Amalie Pall (30), who visited Polkem?de with her family, said, "It seems a bit difficult to come with a child."

Bjorg Helsbad (27, left) is posing with a friend after an interview at Folkemode.

Bornholm Constituency MP: "Everyone Should Participate in Democratic Processes"

"I hope that those attending Folkemøde will not only be able to influence politics but also feel that they are part of politics."

Lea Wermelin (38), a Social Democrat MP representing Bornholm, the constituency where Folkemøde is held, said in an interview with Asia Economy at the Danish Parliament (Christianborg Palace), "Folkemøde aims for everyone to participate in democratic processes."

MP Wermelin described Folkemøde as "an informal place where people are not bound by structured political obligations like in parliament but can make various proposals and engage in discussions," adding, "Citizens can freely attend, meet politicians, and participate in discussions."

Lea Wermelin (38), Social Democratic Party Member of Parliament

This year’s Folkemøde saw participation from thousands of organizations, companies, associations, parties, and civic groups. Each tent autonomously prepares its topics, and anyone can freely join and discuss. She said, "It is also important to hear new ideas and get inspiration from civil society, participating organizations, companies, and citizens," adding, "The Prime Minister also walks around there to naturally get closer to people."

Wermelin, who previously served as Minister of the Environment, presented ways to achieve climate goals through greening the agricultural sector at this Folkemøde. To this end, she showcased dishes made from insects and plant-based ingredients. Wermelin explained, "Politicians can get inspiration in the formal political environment of parliament, but meeting citizens in this informal way provides room to think about different things."