DIRECTDEMOCRACYS

The Global Direct Democracy Movement

DENMARK'S POLITICAL PROGRAM

2025–2035

Analysis • Criticism • Solutions • Consequences

A complete, realistic and detailed program based on logic, common sense, truth, coherence and mutual respect.

FOREWORD — DirectDemocracyS and Denmark

DirectDemocracyS (DDS) is a global political organization founded on principles of shared leadership, collective ownership, and direct democracy. We are not a traditional political party. We are a system — a living, scalable, and self-correcting governance system — that puts citizens at the center of all decisions.

This program is written for Denmark. It is not an election program filled with empty promises. It is an honest analysis of Denmark's real situation in 2025, a constructive and sharp criticism of the structural weaknesses that no one dares to speak openly about, and a detailed, concrete and realistic set of solutions based on logic, common sense, scientific data and international comparison.

Denmark is in many ways a model country. It is rich, relatively equal, socially coherent and with strong institutions. But it is not perfect. Many problems are hidden behind the smooth surface of the statistics: a housing crisis that suffocates young people, a healthcare sector under massive pressure, a democratic distance between citizens and decision-makers, a tax system that rewards capital rather than work, and an education model that reproduces inequality rather than combats it.

DDS does not offer magic. We offer a system. A system built on: direct democratic participation in all important decisions, complete transparency in economics and governance, collective ownership of the resources that belong to everyone, and a logic that prioritizes people over profits.

 

CHAPTER 1 — POLITICAL SITUATION: ANALYSIS AND CRITICISM

1.1 The parliamentary system and its limits

The Danish Folketing is formally a representative democracy with 179 seats and a long tradition of minority governments and broad compromises. In theory, this is a sign of political maturity. In practice, it has created a political culture characterized by compromise, invisible power and systematic postponement of difficult decisions.

Voter turnout in the 2022 Danish general election was 84.2% — one of the highest in Europe. But participation in the vote itself is not the same as real political influence. Between elections, the average Dane has no direct mechanism to influence concrete political decisions. Citizens vote every four years and then hand over all power to politicians who are controlled by the party whip, lobbyists and media logic.

Concrete example: When the government decided in 2022-2023 to significantly increase defense spending in response to the war in Ukraine, this was done without a referendum, without citizen consultation, and without a real debate about priorities. The money came from the existing budget — with consequences for other sectors — but citizens were never asked.

Criticism: Structural distance between citizens and decisions

The central democratic problem in Denmark is not corruption or authoritarianism. It is systemic apathy supported by an institutional structure that treats the citizen as a voter, not as a participant. The political system rewards party loyalty over citizen proximity. Ministers are not accountable to the citizens but to the party leadership.

• Lobbying is legal and widespread. Large business organizations (Danish Business, DI, Agriculture & Food) have direct access to decision-makers that the average citizen does not have.
• Media concentration: The major Danish media (JP/Politiken, Berlingske Media) are owned by large capital groups with their own interests. Independent journalism is systematically weakened.
• The political playbook: Changes in government rarely change the structural course. The Social Democrats and the Liberals alternate in power, implementing marginally different versions of the same neo-liberal compromise.

DDS's solution is not a new party that promises the same thing. DDS is a system that changes the power structure itself.

1.2 DDS's democratic model for Denmark

DDS proposes a gradual implementation of direct democratic mechanisms in parallel with and as a supplement to the existing parliamentary system. The goal is not to abolish the Folketinget but to make it an implementing body for the citizens' direct decisions.

Concrete policy proposals:

• Mandatory binding referendums for all decisions over 1 billion kroner or with direct consequences for citizens' fundamental rights.
• Establishment of the Citizens' Parliament — a supplementary body composed of randomly selected citizens (sortition/citizens' assembly) with real legislative power in specific areas.
• Digital direct democracy platform: All registered citizens can propose legislation. Proposals with over 50,000 signatures are mandatorily considered by the Folketing and Citizens' Parliament.
• Abolition of the party whip: Elected officials are representatives of the citizens, not of the party leadership. Free votes as the standard, not the exception.
• Full disclosure of all political meetings and negotiations within 30 days, including meetings with lobbyists and business organizations.
• Introduction of an imperative mandate: Voters can, through signature campaigns (10% of the voters in a constituency), demand that an elected official be held accountable and, through a new vote, remove the person in question.

Expected consequence:

A direct democratic model will fundamentally change political culture in 5-10 years. Citizens who know they have real power become more engaged. Lobbying loses its privileged status. Decisions gain stronger legitimacy. International research (Switzerland, Iceland, New Zealand) shows that direct democratic mechanisms increase citizens' trust in institutions by 20-35%.

 

CHAPTER 2 — ECONOMIC SITUATION: ANALYSIS AND CRITICISM

2.1 Denmark's economy: Strengths and structural weaknesses

Denmark is one of the world's richest nations measured by GDP per capita (approximately DKK 430,000 per person in 2024). Unemployment is low (approximately 5%), inflation is under control after the 2021-2023 crisis, and public debt is moderate. These are real strengths and should be honestly acknowledged.

But these macroeconomic figures hide important structural problems that affect concrete people:

Problem 1: Growing inequality

The Gini coefficient for Denmark has risen steadily since the 1990s. The richest 10% now own over 64% of private wealth. The bottom 50% own less than 5%. This is not natural market dynamics — it is the result of deliberate policy choices: lower top taxes, capital income is taxed less than labor income, and inheritance transmits inequality across generations.

• Concrete example: A director of a listed company pays an effective marginal tax of approximately 42% via share income, while a specialist worker pays 56% in top tax + AM contributions on his salary. Capital is systematically rewarded rather than work.

Problem 2: Housing market collapse

Housing prices in Copenhagen have increased by 180% since 2010. An average apartment in the capital costs over 4 million kroner. A young person with an average starting salary (approx. 32,000 kroner/month) cannot save enough to pay off in less than 10-15 years. This is not a natural market phenomenon — it is the result of a housing policy that systematically favors owners over renters and speculators over families.

• Empty rental properties are used as investment properties. International real estate funds buy entire properties to drive up rents.
• Public housing is being built too slowly: Denmark lacks approximately 80,000 public housing units according to the Ministry of Housing.

Problem 3: Hidden business concentration

The Danish business community is increasingly dominated by large corporations and international platforms. SMEs — the backbone of Danish society — are pressured by increasing administrative burdens, poor banking conditions and competition from tax-optimizing multinationals.

2.2 DDS's economic program

Tax and redistribution:

• Equalization of tax rates: Capital income and labor income are taxed at identical rates. There is no logical or ethical justification for rewarding capital over labor.
• Wealth tax: Introduction of progressive wealth tax on net assets over 5 million kroner (0.5% up to 10 million, 1% up to 50 million, 1.5% above that). Estimated revenue: 15-20 billion kroner/year.
• Property tax reform: Full property value tax based on actual market value without a cap. Speculation tax of 30% on resale of residential properties within 5 years without actual occupancy.
• Digital platform tax: Google, Meta, Amazon and similar pay tax based on turnover in Denmark, undeclared profit in Ireland. Estimated revenue: 5-8 billion DKK/year.
• Green tax restructuring: Gradually increased environmental taxes with full refund to citizens as a green citizen contribution (approx. DKK 8,000/person/year).

Housing policy:

• National Housing Fund: The state is establishing a fund with DKK 50 billion for the first 5 years to finance 25,000 new public housing units/year.
• Rent regulation: Maximum rent increase of 2% per year for all rental housing. Ban on empty speculative apartments — owners of homes that have been empty for more than 6 months in cities with a housing shortage will be subject to forced rent.
• First-home guarantee: The state guarantees 20% of the down payment for first-time buyers under 35 years of age with a household income of less than DKK 700,000.
• Ban on foreign real estate fund purchases: Residential properties with more than 10 apartments cannot be purchased by foreign financial institutions without specific permission and social obligations.

Business policy:

• SME banks: Creation of regional state-guaranteed SME banks with favorable loan terms. Inspiration from KfW in Germany.
• Co-ownership obligation: All companies with more than 50 employees must offer employees a minimum of 10% ownership via employee shares within 10 years.
• Public investment in green industry: DKK 30 billion/year for 10 years for green energy, sustainable production and digital infrastructure with primary priority for Danish ownership.

Expected consequence in 10 years:

Indicator	Expected change
Gini coefficient	Decrease from 0.29 to 0.22 (1980s level)
Housing prices (Copenhagen)	Stabilization + decrease of 15-20% in real terms
Public housing	+250,000 new units
SME employment	+80,000 jobs in 5 years
Additional public revenues	+45-55 billion DKK/year from new taxes
Median disposable income	+12,000 DKK/year for lower 50%

 

CHAPTER 3 — THE FINANCIAL SECTOR: ANALYSIS AND CRITICISM

3.1 Bank power and systemic risks

The Danish banking sector is dominated by a few large institutions: Danske Bank, Nordea, Jyske Bank and Nykredit. These institutions hold a disproportionate share of the financial power in the country and have repeatedly been shown to put their own interests ahead of those of society.

The Danske Bank money laundering scandal (Estonia, 2007-2015) is the largest in European banking history: approximately 200 billion euros in suspicious transactions. The bank paid fines of 2 billion dollars and avoided criminal prosecution of individual managers. This is not an exception — it is a symptom of a system without real accountability.

The mortgage system is remarkable in the Danish context and internationally recognized for its efficiency. However, it has also contributed to the housing price spiral by making it too easy to borrow large sums against property security, thereby inflating prices.

Criticism: Privatized profits, socialized losses

During the 2008-2009 financial crisis, the Danish state bailed out banks with billions from taxpayers. No bank CEO went to prison. The bonuses returned within 2 years. This pattern — profits are privatized, losses are socialized — is the central ethical and economic problem in the financial sector.

3.2 DDS's financial reforms

• Public state bank: Establishment of the State Bank of Denmark as a truly competitive alternative to private banks. Purpose: business loans to SMEs, home loans to first-time buyers, non-profit student loans. Financing: state-guaranteed capital. Model: KfW (Germany), BpiFrance (France).
• Bank Liability Act: Individual criminal liability for bank directors and board members for intentional violations. Minimum sentence: 5 years for gross negligence resulting in systemic damage.
• Bonus ban in state-rescued banks: Any bank that receives state aid is prohibited from paying bonuses to management for 10 years.
• Separation of banking and speculation: Division of universal banks according to Glass-Steagall principles. Retail banks (deposits/loans to citizens and SMEs) are not allowed to engage in speculative trading activities.
• Financial transaction tax: 0.1% tax on all financial transactions except direct citizen payments. Estimated revenue: 8-12 billion DKK/year.
• Cryptocurrency regulation: Full transparency on ownership and trading. Taxation as capital income. Ban on anonymous crypto mining in Denmark.
• Pension funds' investment obligation: State-guaranteed pension funds must invest a minimum of 20% of their portfolio in Danish green infrastructure and social housing projects.

Expected consequence:

• Increased financial stability and reduced systemic risk.
• Better access to credit for SMEs and young home buyers.
• Additional tax revenue of DKK 10-15 billion/year from financial transactions and new taxation.
• Reduced financial crime and increased international reputation.

 

CHAPTER 4 — WELFARE, HEALTH AND SOCIAL COHESION

4.1 The healthcare system: A sector in crisis

The Danish healthcare system is universal, tax-financed and generally highly rated in international comparisons. But behind the positive rankings lie serious structural problems that are worsening year by year.

Critical issues identified:

• Waiting lists: In 2024, over 180,000 Danes waited more than 30 days for treatment. Some wait more than 1 year for surgeries such as hip and knee replacements.
• Staff shortage: Denmark is short of approximately 7,000 nurses and over 1,500 specialist doctors, according to the Ministry of Health. The reason is partly insufficient pay, partly poor working conditions and partly a lack of training places.
• Regionalization: The division of the health system into 5 regions creates inequality in treatment quality. A cancer patient in Region Zealand has statistically worse chances of survival than one in the Capital Region.
• Mental health crisis: Waiting times for psychiatric treatment are 3-6 months. Denmark has one of the highest rates of antidepressant use in Europe. Young people under 30 are particularly affected.
• Privatization creep: The use of private hospitals financed from the public budget has increased 40% since 2015. This undermines the public system and creates a two-tiered healthcare system.

4.2 DDS's health reform

Structurally:

• Abolition of the regions: One national health administration. Standardization of treatment standards across the country. Estimated savings on administration: 4-6 billion DKK/year.
• National Health Corps: 10,000 new nurses and 3,000 new specialist doctors trained over 10 years. Financed by state-guaranteed scholarships and mandatory 5-year service in a public hospital.

Salary and working conditions:

• Nurses' salaries: Minimum 15% salary increase for all nurses and social workers financed by the savings from the abolition of the regions and new tax revenue.
• 4-day workweek pilot project: In 10 regions/departments, a 4-day workweek for healthcare professionals with full pay is being tested. Research shows a reduction in burnout and sick leave of 20-30%.

Mental health:

• National psychiatry plan: DKK 5 billion over 5 years to build 50 new outpatient psychiatric centers nationwide with a maximum waiting time of 2 weeks.
• Mental health in schools: Psychologists and social workers in ALL elementary schools from 2027.
• Prevention: 3 billion DKK/year for preventive health measures. Research shows that 1 DKK invested in prevention saves 4-7 DKK in treatment.

Stop privatization:

• Moratorium on new publicly funded private hospital contracts. Existing contracts will be renegotiated with lower rates and quality requirements.

Expected consequence:

• Maximum 30-day waiting time for all planned surgeries before 2030.
• 20% reduction in psychiatric hospitalizations through better outpatient treatment.
• Uniform treatment quality nationally.
• Net savings: -2 billion DKK/year after 5 years through prevention and administrative efficiency improvements.

4.3 Social benefits and poverty alleviation

Denmark has a strong social safety net, but it is not without gaps. Approximately 220,000 Danes live below the relative poverty line (2024). The cash benefit system is complex, stigmatizing and difficult to navigate for those who are most vulnerable.

Specific problems:

• The cash benefit cap and the 225-hour rule: These rules are documented to hit the sick and disabled, single parents and ethnic minorities disproportionately hard.
• Homelessness: Approximately 6,500 homeless people in Denmark. Homelessness is not a personal choice — it is a system failure.
• Elderly poverty: 80,000 pensioners live below the poverty line.

DDS's social reform:

• Universal Basic Income Trial: 5-year pilot project with unconditional basic income (10,000 DKK/month) for 10,000 participants in selected municipalities. Evaluation with a view to national implementation. Funding: 1.2 billion DKK for pilot project.
• Abolition of the 225-hour rule and the cash benefit ceiling. Replacement with simple, transparent needs-based benefits.
• Housing First: National implementation of the proven effective Housing First model. Homeless people are first given a home, then support. Costs DKK 40,000/person/year and saves DKK 120,000/person/year in social and health care costs.
• Minimum pension: No pensioner lives below the poverty line. The minimum state pension is set at 115% of the poverty line.

 

CHAPTER 5 — EDUCATION: ANALYSIS AND CRITICISM

5.1 A system that reproduces inequality

Denmark spends approximately 6.5% of its GDP on education — above the EU average. Yet it has been documented that social inheritance is strong in the Danish education system. The chance of a young person with unskilled parents pursuing higher education is 3 times lower than for a young person with academic parents.

Structural problems:

• The SU system is not sufficient: SU for students living at home is approx. 7,200 DKK/month. In Copenhagen, a single room costs an average of 6,500-8,000 DKK/month. This is mathematically impossible without support from parents — and thus unequal.
• Elementary school: A 2023 study shows that 15% of Danish 9th grade students do not have functional reading and math skills. This is a disaster that is being ignored.
• Vocational education and training (VET) is systematically underfunded and socially stigmatized. Denmark will lack 80,000 skilled workers by 2030 according to DI.
• The growth of private schools: 20% of Danish children attend private or independent schools (2024). This is strongly correlated with social class and ethnic background and undermines the social cohesion that primary school has historically created.

5.2 DDS's educational reform

Elementary school:

• Teacher salary increase of 20%: Recruiting the best candidates for teaching. It works — see Finland.
• Max 20 students per class. A primary school teacher with 28 students cannot provide individual attention. The limit is set at 20.
• Special education as a right: All students with diagnosed needs receive an individual support plan with guaranteed resources.
• Mandatory financial education from grade 7. Economics, taxes, savings and critical consumer thinking.

SU reform:

• SU is increased to 115% of the lowest rent in the city where the student is enrolled. In Copenhagen: minimum 9,000 DKK/month. Financing: 3 billion DKK/year extra.
• Student housing: The state guarantees student housing to all students who apply for it. Price: max. DKK 3,500/month.

Vocational training:

• VET boost: Extra DKK 2 billion/year for modernisation of vocational education, new facilities and higher teacher salaries.
• Positive campaign: National program to de-stigmatize skilled jobs. Skilled workers are the backbone of society.
• Master guarantee: All new skilled workers are guaranteed an internship through government subsidies for companies that take on apprentices.

Higher education:

• Free education remains absolutely non-negotiable. No user fees are introduced.
• Internationalization bonus: Universities are rewarded for international collaborations and research with actual societal impact, not just citation index.

Expected consequence:

• Social mobility is increasing: The proportion of young people from low-income families in higher education increases from 23% to 40% over 10 years.
• Skilled worker shortages will be eliminated by 2033.
• PISA scores: Denmark rises from top 15 to top 5 in Europe by 2035.

 

CHAPTER 6 — CLIMATE, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

6.1 Denmark's climate situation

Denmark has set ambitious climate goals: 70% reduction of greenhouse gases by 2030 (compared to 1990), climate neutrality by 2050. This is positive. But the actual implementation is seriously lagging behind the ambitions.

Factual issues:

• Agriculture is Denmark's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (approximately 33% of national emissions). Yet agriculture has historically been exempt from the strictest climate requirements due to political lobbying by the Danish Ministry of Agriculture & Food.
• Denmark's actual CO2 footprint when including imports and consumption (consumption-based footprint) is approximately twice as large as the territorial footprint. We export our CO2 to other countries.
• Wind energy is Denmark's great strength (approximately 55% of electricity production is from wind). However, the transmission grid is insufficient for full integration and export.
• Building sector: 40% of Denmark's energy consumption is in buildings. The renovation rate is too slow. 35% of the Danish housing stock is energy-inefficient (class D and lower).

6.2 DDS's climate and energy program

Energy:

• 100% renewable energy by 2040 (10 years before EU requirements). Investment: DKK 80 billion over 10 years for expansion of wind (offshore wind), solar and green hydrogen.
• Energy democracy: All new large energy projects must have a minimum of 20% local co-ownership (municipalities and citizens). Stop all profits from national natural resources going to private foundations.
• Green transmission grid: DKK 15 billion to upgrade the national electricity grid for full integration of renewable energy and export to Europe.

Agriculture:

• Progressive climate tax on agriculture: Tax on methane and nitrous oxide from cattle and pig farming. Starting level 300 DKK/ton CO2 equivalent, increasing to 700 DKK in 2035. Compensation for farmers who convert to regenerative agriculture.
• Plant-based conversion: Support for farmers converting to plant-based production or forestry. DKK 5 billion conversion fund.
• Stop new drainage of bogs: Restoration of 100,000 ha of bog by 2030. Bogs bind CO2 and protect biodiversity.

Buildings:

• Mandatory renovation: All buildings with energy rating D and below must be renovated to C by 2040. State-guaranteed loans to private owners. Public buildings renovated by 2032.
• Ban on oil and gas boilers: Ban from 2027 with generous replacement support (max. 80% of the cost is covered for low-income families).

Circular economy:

• National recycling plan: 70% of all waste recycled by 2030 (from current approx. 46%). Built on the successful model from the Netherlands.
• Producer responsibility: Companies are responsible for the collection and recycling of their own products (EEE, packaging, clothing).

Expected consequence:

• 70% reduction in greenhouse gases achieved by 2030 — in reality, not just on paper.
• Denmark becomes a net exporter of green energy and creates 40,000 new green jobs.
• Air quality is improving significantly in cities. Health benefits estimated at DKK 2 billion/year.

 

CHAPTER 7 — IMMIGRATION, INTEGRATION AND DIVERSITY

7.1 An honest analysis of a complex situation

Immigration is the most politically charged issue in Danish politics. DDS approaches it with facts, not emotions — neither the open border utopia nor the closed fortress fantasy.

Factual starting points:

• Denmark needs labor: Demographically, Denmark will lack approximately 150,000 workers by 2035 due to aging and low birth rates.
• Integration has real problems: The employment rate for non-Western immigrants is about 58% compared to 79% for ethnic Danes. Language acquisition is too slow in many cases.
• The ghetto paragraphs and parallel laws are discriminatory and counterproductive according to research from Aalborg University.
• Refugees: Denmark has received relatively few refugees compared to neighboring countries (Sweden, Germany). The hard line has deterred many, but has not solved the integration challenges for those who are here.

7.2 DDS's immigration and integration policy

Principles:

DDS recognizes the right of the nation state to regulate immigration. At the same time, we recognize the fundamental rights and dignity of all people. The two principles are not contradictory — they require a nuanced policy.

Specific suggestions:

• Need-based labor immigration: Clear and transparent quota system based on documented labor market needs. Fast track for healthcare professionals, engineers and craftsmen.
• Integration as an investment: 5 billion DKK/year extra for language training, job mentors and local cooperation. Municipalities that achieve high employment rates for refugees and immigrants are rewarded.
• Abolition of ghetto clauses: Housing policy based on social mix, not ethnicity. Focus on education and employment, not forced relocation.
• Asylum policy: Denmark fully complies with the Refugee Convention and the EU's asylum rules. Case processing times max 6 months. Rejected asylum seekers are sent home efficiently and humanely.
• Citizenship: Clear, predictable and fair path to citizenship. Danish is NOT solely an ethnic category but a political and cultural affiliation.
• Anti-discrimination: Stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination legislation in the housing and labor markets. Face-anonymized job applications as standard in the public sector.

 

CHAPTER 8 — DIGITAL DEMOCRACY AND TECHNOLOGY

8.1 Denmark's digital strengths and risks

Denmark is globally recognized as one of the world's most digitalized nations. NemID/MitID, Digital Post and e-Government are real successes. But digitalization without democratic control creates new risks.

Problems:

• Digital exclusion: Approximately 400,000 Danes are digitally vulnerable — elderly, disabled and low-educated. Mandatory digital communication with the public sector is discriminatory against them.
• Data concentration: Danes' data is collected in systems (Google, Microsoft, Facebook) with servers outside the EU and without sufficient control.
• AI and job displacement: Automation will eliminate 300,000-500,000 current jobs by 2035 according to McKinsey and Oxford analyses. There is no overall Danish strategy for this transformation.
• Cybersecurity: Government institutions and critical infrastructure are vulnerable. In 2022-2023, there were over 1,000 serious cyberattacks against Danish institutions.

8.2 DDS's digital program

• Digital rights: Access to the internet and digital services is declared a fundamental right. Free public wifi in all cities with over 5,000 inhabitants.
• Digital inclusion: All citizens over 65 and citizens with disabilities are offered free digital assistance and alternative analog communication with the public sector.
• Public digital infrastructure: Denmark is building a sovereign national cloud infrastructure. Public data is stored on servers in Denmark under Danish law.
• AI Transition Fund: DKK 10 billion for skills development of workers whose jobs are at risk of automation. Collaboration with trade unions and companies.
• Regulation of AI: Denmark is proactive in EU AI regulation. Ban on facial recognition technology in public spaces. Require transparency in algorithmic decisions that affect citizens.
• Open source public software: All tax-funded software systems must be offered as open source by default. Reduces dependence on large suppliers and saves money.

 

CHAPTER 9 — DEFENCE, SECURITY AND FOREIGN POLICY

9.1 Analysis of Denmark's security situation

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has fundamentally changed the European security landscape. Denmark has responded by significantly increasing defense spending — towards 2% of GDP (NATO's target) and is already close to it. It is a pragmatic necessity.

But defense spending alone does not create security. True security requires diplomatic engagement, international rule of law, and the reduction of the social and political causes of conflict.

Tensions and criticism:

• Defense spending is increasing, but without a corresponding democratic debate about what the money is spent on and which priorities are being sacrificed.
• Denmark's relationship with Greenland is under massive pressure — not least from the United States' growing interest in the island. A clear, democratically adopted strategy is lacking.
• Denmark's participation in international military operations (Iraq, Afghanistan, Mali) has not always had a clear basis in international law and has never been subject to a referendum.

9.2 DDS's foreign and defense policy

• NATO membership is maintained as a cornerstone policy. Danish sovereignty within the alliance is defended — no automatic participation in the US military adventure without parliamentary approval and within the framework of international law.
• Greenland: Denmark's relationship with Greenland must be reformed into a truly equal partnership. Greenlanders determine their own future. Denmark actively supports Greenlandic self-government and self-reliance.
• EU engagement: Denmark is maintained as an active EU member. The Danish EU exemption from the Defence Dimension (1992) should be put to a referendum with a clear, honest debate.
• Multilateralism: Denmark prioritizes strengthening the UN, ICC and international judicial bodies. Funding for peacebuilding and conflict prevention is increased to 0.5% of GDP.
• Diplomatic capacity: The Foreign Service is being strengthened. Denmark's soft power (humanitarian aid, climate diplomacy, rule of law) is a concrete security resource.
• Ban on arms exports to authoritarian regimes and countries in active war (except for self-defense recognized by the UN Security Council).

 

CHAPTER 10 — IMPLEMENTATION: TIMELINE AND FUNDING

10.1 Financing plan

DDS's program is ambitious. It requires investment. But it is fully financeable within the existing tax base + new taxes we propose. Here is the overall financing statement:

NEW TAX REVENUE (billion DKK/year)	NEW EXPENDITURE (billion DKK/year)
Wealth tax: +18 billion.	Healthcare reform: -12 billion.
Financial transaction tax: +10 billion.	Education reform: -8 billion.
Platform tax: +6 billion.	Housing fund: -10 billion.
Green tax restructuring: +12 billion.	Climate investment: -15 billion
Property tax reform: +8 billion.	Social reform: -6 billion.
TOTAL NEW REVENUE: +54 billion	TOTAL NEW EXPENDITURE: -51 billion.
NET BALANCE: +3 billion DKK/year (increases to +15 billion after 5 years via growth effects)

10.2 Implementation timeline

Years 1-2 (2025-2026): The Foundation

• Adoption of a new democracy law with a parliament and binding referendums.
• Launch of digital democracy platform.
• Introduction of wealth tax and financial transaction tax.
• Starting a housing fund.
• Healthcare reform: merger of regions, salary increase for nurses.

Years 3-5 (2027-2029): Acceleration

• SME banks operational.
• Psychiatric centers are opening throughout the country.
• VET reform fully implemented.
• Ban on oil and gas boilers.
• Housing First national implementation.
• 25,000 new social housing units/year underway.

Years 6-10 (2030-2035): Consolidation

• 100% renewable energy on the electricity side.
• Basic income increase evaluated and decided.
• The elementary school has been fully reformed.
• Inequality reduction visible in statistics.
• Denmark as a global benchmark for direct democracy.

 

CHAPTER 11 — CONCLUSION: A POSSIBLE DENMARK

There are no magic solutions. But there are well-thought-out, evidence-based and ethically sound solutions that political will, democratic legitimacy and collective action can realize.

DDS's program for Denmark is not a utopia. It is a task. Every single proposal is based on: concrete data from Danish reality, success models from other countries that are already implementing similar policies, sound logic that puts people before profits and systems before individuals, and mutual respect — for citizens, for the truth, and for future generations.

Denmark is one of the world's best starting points for a truly democratic revolution. The country has the resources, institutions, education and social capital to do so. What is missing is political courage and systemic vision.

DirectDemocracyS offers both.

DirectDemocracyS — The system is the solution.

public.directdemocracys.org

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