Ex-Advisor Contradicts SF Leader on Hiring of Controversial Aide

Søs Marie Serup, a political commentator and former special advisor to Lars Løkke Rasmussen, has directly challenged SF leader Pia Olsen Dyhr's defense of hiring Thomas Nystrøm as a special advisor. Nystrøm, who has a history within the Socialist People's Party (SF), was dismissed in 2020 following harassment complaints.

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You cannot work for a party leader without it having a huge overlap with the party.

Olsen Dyhr had argued that Nystrøm was employed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Interior, not the party itself. However, Serup countered this distinction, telling Berlingske that "you cannot work for a party leader without it having a huge overlap with the party." While legally a special advisor is hired by the ministry, Serup pointed out that in practice, these advisors often engage in party-related work, especially when closely aligned with their minister's activities.

The case has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Lotte Kofoed, an SF councilor in Frederiksberg Municipality. Kofoed, one of the women allegedly harassed by Nystrøm in 2020, recounted a disturbing incident at an SF national meeting where Nystrøm allegedly touched her inappropriately and later sprayed beer on her. She described the situation as having escalated significantly since the initial report.

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Suddenly out of nowhere, he takes his hand and puts it down my panties and touches my labia.

Nystrøm himself confirmed on Friday morning that the harassment cases were indeed the reason for his dismissal from SF in 2020. The controversy highlights the complex ethical and practical considerations surrounding the appointment of special advisors, especially those with a history of misconduct, and the blurred lines between ministerial duties and party politics.

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And then I push him away and go into another room. Then he comes back, and then he sprays beer on me.