At the same time, the Danish Parliament refuses to apply initiatives that would prevent corruption. Since 2014, GRECO (Council of Europe anti-corruption unit) has tried to get Denmark to implement four initiatives that would prevent corruption among politicians. For example, the members of the Danish Parliament do not have to follow a “code of conduct” (ethical guidelines), nor do they have to disclose if there is a risk of conflict of interest.
- Denmark joins Bosnia-Herzegovina, Moldova, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Turkey, as the countries that refuse to implement GRECO’s recommendations for corruption prevention.
- The President of the Parliament said in 2021 that the recommendations go against the Constitution (as the activity of the elected members cannot be regulated), and in his own words, “In Denmark, we have a political tradition where it is a position of trust to be elected to the Folketing. With us, you are responsible for the voters. And finally, a free and independent press is best at keeping an eye on any conflicts of interest”.
- Just because Denmark refuses the anti-corruption measures doesn’t mean there is proof of corruption among politicians.
