Danish Parliament Reduces Committees, Merges Key Bodies

The Danish Parliament, the Folketing, has significantly restructured its committee system, reducing the number of standing committees from 30 to 20. This consolidation, following the recent government formation after the March elections, aims to streamline parliamentary work by merging several existing committees.

Notable changes include the combination of the Foreign Affairs and Defense committees into a new "Foreign and Defense Committee." Similarly, the Health and Elderly committees have been merged into a "Health and Elderly Committee." These mergers reflect a broader effort to optimize the legislative process and reduce redundancy.

In terms of leadership, Mohammad Rona of Moderaterne (M) will assume the chairmanship of the Immigration and Integration Committee, with Amanda Heitmann (V) serving as vice-chair. Earlier in April, the parliament had already allocated leadership positions for three central committees: the Foreign Policy Committee, the European Affairs Committee, and the Finance Committee.

Karsten Hønge (SF) will lead the Foreign Policy Committee, supported by Troels Lund Poulsen (V) as vice-chair. Steffen Holme Helledie (Radikale) is the new chairman of the European Affairs Committee, and Mette Thiesen (DF) is the vice-chair. Simon Kollerup (Social Democrats) will once again chair the Finance Committee, alongside Ole Birk Olesen (Liberal Alliance).

Søren Gade (V), who has presided over the Folketing since 2022, plans to reduce his workload and will step down as Folketing President in October. Henrik Frandsen (M) is the government parties' nominee to succeed him, with broad support expected.