Danish PM Frederiksen’s Vision: Key Points from the 2025 Parliament Opening Speech

October 7, 2025

Copenhagen, Denmark – Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has ignited a national debate by calling for a ban on Social Media platforms for children under the age of 15. The proposal, unveiled during her address too the Danish parliament on Tuesday, reflects growing concerns about the impact of online platforms on youth development and mental health. This initiative follows a recent agreement to prohibit mobile phones and other electronic devices in Danish schools.

A Call to Protect Childhood

Frederiksen asserted that unregulated access to Social Media is “stealing our children’s childhoods,” highlighting a widespread sentiment that young peopel are increasingly exposed to inappropriate content and harmful online interactions. The proposed ban would allow parents to grant permission for children aged 15 and over to access these platforms, introducing a conditional access framework.

The Prime minister’s speech, a yearly event marking the opening of parliament, focused heavily on domestic issues and the government’s future plans. This year marks frederiksen’s seventh opening address since assuming office in 2019. The annual session traditionally features the Prime Minister’s assessment of the nation’s state and outlines the government’s legislative agenda for the coming year.

Concerns Over Online Safety and Political Harassment

Beyond the issue of children and Social Media, Frederiksen addressed rising concerns about threats and harassment targeting politicians and public figures, frequently enough extending to their families. she emphasized the need for increased protection for these individuals, describing the targeting of family members as “unacceptable” and a threat to democratic participation.

The Prime minister connected this issue back to the broader climate online, stating that “the limits have been erased for what is acceptable to say about, and to, each other.” She expressed concern that societal norms surrounding online discourse have deteriorated, fostering a more hostile environment.

Political Reactions and Economic Considerations

While the proposal has garnered some support,it has also faced scrutiny. Opposition parties have raised questions about the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing such a ban. Alex Vanopslagh,leader of the Liberal Alliance,acknowledged the merit of the idea but questioned whether a practical enforcement model could be established,or if it would simply be a symbolic gesture.

Notably, the left-wing Red-green Alliance criticized the Prime Minister’s speech for overlooking pressing economic concerns, especially the rising cost of living. Party leader Pelle Dragsted pointed out the government’s recent decision to reduce taxes on sweets while failing to address the escalating prices of essential food items like butter, milk, and eggs. He argued this demonstrates a misaligned focus on priorities.

here’s a swift comparison of the government’s recent policy decisions:

Policy Area	Recent Action
Social Media Access	Proposed ban for under-15s, parental consent for 15+
school Devices	Ban on mobile phones and devices in schools
Food Taxation	Tax reduction on sweets, chocolate, and coffee

The Global Debate on Social Media and Youth

The debate in Denmark aligns with a growing global discussion surrounding the impact of Social Media on young people. Studies from organizations like the UNICEF and the World Health Institution highlight the potential risks, including cyberbullying, mental health issues, and exposure to harmful content. Several countries are exploring various methods of regulating Social Media access for children, including age verification systems and parental control tools.

Did You Know? A 2023 report by Common Sense Media found that teenagers spend an average of 9 hours per day on Social Media platforms.

Pro Tip: Parents can utilize built-in device features and third-party apps to monitor and limit their children’s Social Media usage.

Frequently asked Questions

• What is the Danish government proposing regarding Social Media? The government is considering a ban on Social Media access for children under 15, with parental consent required for those aged 15 and over.
• Why is the Danish Prime Minister proposing this ban? Prime Minister Frederiksen believes that Social Media is negatively impacting children’s wellbeing and “stealing their childhoods.”
• What other issues where addressed in the Prime minister’s speech? She also discussed threats against politicians and their families, linking them to the tone of debate on Social Media.
• What has been the reaction to the proposal? Reactions have been mixed, with some supporting the initiative and others questioning its practicality.
• What is Denmark already doing to limit device use in schools? Denmark has already agreed to ban mobile phones and other devices from schools.
• What are the economic concerns related to the Prime Minister’s speech? Opposition parties have criticized the lack of focus on the rising cost of living and the government’s prioritization of tax cuts on sweets.
• Is this a unique situation, or are other countries considering similar measures? This debate mirrors a global trend with several nations exploring ways to regulate Social Media access for young people.

What are your thoughts on limiting Social media access for young people? Do you believe this is an effective way to protect children, or does it infringe on their rights? Share your opinions in the comments below.

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Strengthening the Danish Welfare Model: Core Priorities

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s 2025 Parliament Opening Speech heavily focused on reinforcing Denmark’s renowned welfare system. This isn’t simply about maintaining the status quo; it’s a proactive strategy to adapt the model to emerging challenges – an aging population, increasing global competition, and the rapid pace of technological change. Key initiatives outlined include:

* Healthcare Investment: A commitment to increase annual healthcare spending by 2% above inflation for the next four years. This funding will be directed towards reducing wait times, improving access to specialized care, and bolstering preventative health programs. Specific focus areas include mental health services and cancer treatment.

* Education Reform: Frederiksen announced a extensive review of the Danish education system, from primary school to vocational training. The goal is to ensure the system equips citizens with the skills needed for the future job market, with a particular emphasis on STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and digital literacy.

* Elderly Care Enhancement: Recognizing the demographic shift, the speech detailed plans to expand elderly care services, including increased home care support and the construction of new assisted living facilities. A key component is attracting and retaining qualified personnel in the care sector.

* Increased Childcare Support: Expanding access to affordable, high-quality childcare is a cornerstone of the goverment’s family-pleasant policies. The speech proposed further subsidies for childcare and initiatives to improve the quality of early childhood education.

Green Transition and climate Action: Denmark’s Ambitious Goals

Denmark continues to position itself as a global leader in climate action. Frederiksen’s speech reiterated the country’s commitment to ambitious climate targets and outlined new strategies for achieving them.

* Renewable Energy Expansion: A meaningful acceleration of investments in renewable energy sources, especially offshore wind power. The government aims to increase the share of renewable energy in Denmark’s total energy consumption to 70% by 2030.

* Enduring Agriculture: Promoting sustainable farming practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector. This includes incentives for farmers to adopt more environmentally friendly methods and investments in research and development of sustainable agricultural technologies.

* Green Transportation: Further investment in public transportation infrastructure and incentives for electric vehicle adoption. the speech also highlighted plans to develop a national hydrogen strategy to support the transition to a hydrogen-based economy.

* circular Economy Initiatives: Promoting a circular economy model to reduce waste and resource consumption. This includes initiatives to encourage recycling, reuse, and the development of sustainable products.

Labor Market Flexibility and Skills Development

Addressing the challenges of a changing labour market was a prominent theme. The government aims to balance labour market flexibility with worker security.

* Upskilling and Reskilling Programs: A major investment in upskilling and reskilling programs to help workers adapt to the demands of the future job market. These programs will focus on providing training in areas such as digital skills, green technologies, and data analytics.

* Flexicurity Model Refinement: The “flexicurity” model – combining flexible labour markets with a strong social safety net – remains central to Danish economic policy. The speech proposed adjustments to the model to ensure it remains effective in a rapidly changing world.

* Attracting Skilled Labour: initiatives to attract skilled workers from abroad to address labour shortages in key sectors. This includes streamlining the immigration process for qualified professionals and improving integration programs for newcomers.

* Entrepreneurship Support: Providing support for entrepreneurs and small businesses to foster innovation and job creation. This includes access to funding, mentorship programs, and simplified regulations.

Security and International Cooperation: Navigating a Complex World

Frederiksen addressed the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and national security.

* Strengthening Defense Capabilities: Increased investment in Denmark’s defence capabilities to address emerging security threats. This includes modernizing the armed forces and strengthening cybersecurity defenses.

* EU Collaboration: Reaffirming Denmark’s commitment to the European Union and advocating for closer cooperation on issues such as climate change, security, and economic competitiveness.

* NATO Partnership: Highlighting the importance of the NATO alliance for Denmark’s security and advocating for increased transatlantic cooperation.

* International Development Aid: Maintaining Denmark’s commitment to international development aid, focusing on supporting sustainable development and addressing global challenges such as poverty and climate change.

Benefits of the Proposed Policies

The proposed policies aim to deliver several key benefits for Danish citizens:

* Improved Quality of Life: Enhanced healthcare, education, and elderly care services will contribute to a higher quality of life for all Danes.

* Sustainable Economic Growth: Investments in green technologies and innovation will drive sustainable economic growth and create new job opportunities.

* increased Labour Market Resilience: Upskilling and reskilling programs will help workers adapt to the changing demands of the labour market and ensure Denmark remains competitive.

* Enhanced National Security: strengthening defence capabilities and fostering international cooperation will enhance Denmark’s security in a complex world.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies

Denmark’s existing commitment to wind energy provides a strong case study. The country already generates a significant portion of its electricity from wind power, and continued investment in this area