Danish minister denies knowledge of son's consulting role amid nepotism claims

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has distanced himself from his son's new consulting role, stating he is unaware of the specifics of the job. This comes amid criticism that the position creates a potential conflict of interest, particularly as the son's client is bidding on a major defense contract.

Løkke Rasmussen's son, Bergur Løkke Rasmussen, has been hired as an advisor by Babcock, a British defense firm. His role involves liaising with Danish politicians and ministries. Babcock is one of several companies competing for a significant contract to supply new frigates to the Danish defense forces, a deal estimated to be worth up to 10 billion Danish kroner.

“

I don't meddle in it. On the other hand, I also have no deeper insight into what it entails.

Bergur Løkke Rasmussen secured Babcock as a client through his consulting firm, Spånberg Løkke. The Foreign Minister told Politiken that his son "should be allowed" to run his business and that he does not interfere or have deep insight into his son's work. "I don't meddle in it. On the other hand, I also have no deeper insight into what it entails," he said.

“

pure nepotism

However, the situation has drawn sharp criticism from members of parliament. Alex Ahrendtsen of the Danish People's Party called it "pure nepotism." Dennis Flydtkjær, defense spokesperson for the Denmark Democrats, emphasized the need for transparency in multi-billion kroner defense procurements, stating, "Therefore, it is problematic, to say the least, when the foreign minister's son works with interests close to such a large and politically sensitive matter."

TV 2 and Ekstra Bladet have previously reported that such a large procurement would be handled by the government's coordination committee, which includes Lars Løkke Rasmussen. Ultimately, the decision rests with the defense agreement circle. Bergur Løkke Rasmussen has himself denied any conflict of interest, asserting he does not discuss his work with his father in private.

“

Therefore, it is problematic, to say the least, when the foreign minister's son works with interests close to such a large and politically sensitive matter.