Socialistisk Folkeparti have made the difficult decision to pull out of the Danish government, after failing to reach agreement with their coalition partners on the partial sale of Dong, the state-owned energy company, to Goldmann Sachs.
In a statement posted on the SF website, party chair Annette Vilhelmsen annouced the move.
Vilhelmsen said, “I would like to make a few comments on the case of Dong. It has been difficult. For SF. For the Government. For me. On Sunday, SF tried to get support within the government for extra time, so we'd have the opportunity to explore all alternatives. It was not endorsed.
“As a government partner I had therefore obviously no other choice than to ask my party's support to vote with the government. This was why we met yesterday. The result was backing for my approach, but the consequence was that the cost for SF was too big. The different positions could not agree.
“It was true, and it will continue to be important for SF looking for maximum impact - like in government. But not at any price. Government participation can never be the target of SF.
“It is also important for me to say that SF has made a difference in government. We have succeeded in many things that SF has for many years been struggling . Let me mention in no particular order: Togfonden. An early intervention for children and young people at risk. Older Political initiative. Massive buildup of the entire green area. Upgrading Palestine. Elimination of poverty benefits. And so on and so forth.
“The list is long and it is indisputable that SF has made a marked difference in government. Although we may not always have been good enough to get credit for it . But perhaps it says something about us SFers . We are more concerned with creating tangible benefits for the Danes, rather than achieve quick headlines.”
Vilhelmsen has said that she will not seek reelection to the position of chair with SF, and leave room for new blood.
