Olsen Dyhr remains strong in SF, commentator assesses

Political commentator Erik Holstein asserts that SF party leader Pia Olsen Dyhr maintains a strong position within the party, even as significant criticism has emerged regarding the appointment of Thomas Nystrøm as a special advisor.

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It is an extremely bad start for her as a minister, and the timing before Folkemødet, where the case explodes, is completely incomprehensibly bad. But Pia Olsen Dyhr is still very strong in the party.

Holstein described the situation as an "extremely bad start" for Dyhr as a minister, particularly with the controversy erupting just before the Folkemødet political festival. He highlighted that none of the current SF parliament members have been among those criticizing or withdrawing from the party, suggesting internal support remains solid.

Last week, Politiken reported that Nystrøm, whom Dyhr had hired six years prior for the Ministry of Economic and Interior Affairs, was dismissed from SF following multiple allegations of misconduct. SF councilor Lotte Koefoed publicly stated she was a victim of sexual harassment by Nystrøm. Nystrøm subsequently resigned from his position on Saturday.

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It is very likely that SF will experience a clear voter dip next time a poll comes out. It is almost unavoidable.

Despite the intense focus on the scandal, Holstein believes it will not cast a long shadow over Dyhr and the party. He anticipates a likely, though temporary, decline in SF's polling numbers. "However, when autumn arrives and we begin discussing the state budget and welfare improvements that will matter to voters, I don't think this case will impact voter support for SF," Holstein commented.

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But when we get into the autumn, and we start talking about the state budget and issues of various welfare improvements that will matter to voters, then I don't think the case can be seen in the voter support for SF.