Minister defends hiring of advisor accused of harassment

Danish Minister Pia Olsen Dyhr is standing by her decision to hire an advisor who previously left the party following accusations of sexual harassment. The appointment has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from within her own party, the Socialist People's Party (SF).

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But it will not change my decision.

Lotte Kofoed, an SF councilor, expressed deep dismay, stating that Dyhr's decision felt like she was siding with the alleged perpetrator. Kofoed, who claims to have been sexually harassed by the advisor, announced her intention to protest at the Folkemødet event with a sign reading "Never again in SF." She emphasized that the hiring goes against SF's core values and policies.

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If one regrets and shows that one takes it seriously, then I think one should be able to come back.

Despite the backlash, Dyhr asserted that the situation is different six years later, especially if the individual has apologized and changed their behavior. She stressed that Thomas Nystrøm was hired by the Ministry of Economy and Interior, not directly by SF. Discussions are ongoing within the party regarding his potential participation in SF events.

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It feels like Pia is on the side of the perpetrator, and it is extremely boundary-crossing, because I believe it is against SF's values, attitudes, and politics.

Nystrøm himself has admitted on Facebook to acting "completely unacceptably" on multiple occasions. He stated that he does not remember a specific incident involving Lotte Kofoed, with whom he had a past intimate relationship, but believes her account is truthful. He expressed shame and apologized at the time, engaging in conversations with Kofoed about the matter in the months that followed.

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I think it is something different six years later, when one has apologized and changed behavior.