A Voice for belonging, opportunity, and community
Party: Social Democrats
Candidate for: Ringkøbing-Skjern
In Ringkøbing-Skjern, a municipality defined by both tradition and transition, new voices often bring the perspective needed to strengthen communities and widen opportunities. This includes Romante Karbauskiene, a Social Democrat candidate running for local office. Originally from Lithuania, and now a resident of Denmark for 12 years, her message is clear: “I believe everyone in our municipality deserves a life that works — where well-being is part of everyday life, not something we have to fight for, as I sometimes have. I want to focus on educational opportunities, more life in the larger towns, easy upskilling, so everyone — regardless of background — can thrive, learn, and participate.”
As a mother and an active participant in her local community, she understands how deeply systems can shape — or limit — opportunities. Among her top priorities is the development of local schools — not just as educational institutions, but as spaces where children can thrive emotionally. “First and foremost, children in schools must feel safe and well,” she emphasizes. Supporting children early is a cornerstone of her vision, and she highlights the Social Democrats’ proposal that every child and young person must be offered an assessment within eight weeks of when problems arise. To Romante, strong education is not only about academics, but also about building confidence, creativity, and community.
Language learning is key to participation
“I’ve learned that being heard is essential. It doesn’t matter how strong your accent is; people who want to understand you will make the effort,” Romante reflects on her journey of learning Danish. This experience fuels her drive to make Ringkøbing-Skjern a place where newcomers feel included from the start: “Everyone has something to offer, and with the right support, people and communities can grow.”
She advocates passionately for better integration of language training into everyday work life. Some companies offer employees several training days each year, and Romante believes these could be used more intentionally to support both Danish language learning and job-relevant skills. She suggests that companies collaborate with local language centers, such as UCplus, to create programs tailored for international professionals.
Creating meaningful social opportunities for young people
Romante is also deeply committed to supporting youth in her area, as demonstrated during a recent debate at Vestjysk Gymnasium Tarm. She describes receiving the invitation and hesitating, saying, “When you’re bilingual, you risk being misunderstood.” But she went, and she spoke honestly.
“I said clearly that the municipality can seem boring to young people and that more should be done,” she recalls. Someone immediately told her, “You shouldn’t say something like that.” But she insists the point was not criticism, but care: “I am not criticizing the municipality – I am pointing to a need. There is a lack of initiatives, especially for young people.”
Her concerns were confirmed that day. After the debate, a student approached her and explained that she works in a shop and often sees local teenagers “just hanging around without doing much,” and that weekend plans “often start with talk about alcohol.” Romante stresses that not all young people behave this way and that alternatives do exist — such as the library or local clubs — but many places “can feel boring” or disconnected from what young people actually want.
For her, this signals an opportunity. She believes the municipality could take a more active role in shaping environments that are meaningful and engaging for young people. Her ideas include a dedicated youth house open in the evenings, outdoor hang-out zones, activity spaces such as a fire pit, skate park, or basketball court, and creative rooms where young people can develop ideas for their city.
Romante also acknowledges the financial concerns that often arise in local politics. New initiatives require investment, and funding can be tight. But she believes innovation is still possible: perhaps the municipality could explore opportunities with the Danish Parliament or seek access to EU funds — something, she says, many other European countries use to support youth facilities and strengthen local communities.
“The municipality has a lot to offer, but have we really sat down and thought carefully about what young people want and need?” she asks. Romante believes these ideas can help build towns that young people actually want to stay in. For newcomers facing language barriers and loneliness, she advocates mentorship programs, simple-language guides, and community activities that promote early connection. “Integration begins when people feel seen and included.”
Final thoughts: Romante’s vision for “A Denmark for everyone”
For Romante, it’s simple: “A Denmark for everyone means a place where every person — no matter their background, ability, or language — can feel valued and part of the community.” A society where fairness and belonging guide decisions, and where lifting one another strengthens everyone.
Romante describes herself as someone who “never decides hastily” and always takes time to understand every perspective before choosing a path forward. Her motto captures her spirit: “Give me a chance and I promise I’ll do my best!” She writes that she is “ansvarlig, disciplineret og målrettet” — responsible, disciplined, and driven — with an analytical and future-oriented mindset. These are the qualities she hopes to bring into local politics. Her candidacy is an invitation to create a Ringkøbing-Skjern where children feel safe, newcomers feel included, young people feel energized, and every resident feels they have a place to grow.
Get in touch: You can connect with Romante on LinkedIn or write to her at sarpnickaite@gmail.com
