Two Radical ministers take leave from parliament

Two recently appointed ministers from the Danish political party De Radikale are stepping down from their parliamentary seats to focus on their new government roles. Samira Nawa, who was sworn in as the minister for climate, energy, and utilities on Wednesday, and Zenia Stampe, the new minister for culture, have both taken official leaves of absence from the Folketing (parliament).

This move allows them to fulfill their ministerial duties without the concurrent responsibilities of being elected members of parliament. The party has confirmed that their parliamentary mandates will be temporarily held by their respective substitute representatives. Maria Georgi Sloth, a former national chair of Young Radicals, will take over Nawa's seat, while Line Krogh Lay will assume Stampe's mandate.

Political leader Martin Lidegaard, however, is maintaining his parliamentary seat in addition to his new ministerial post. This decision ensures he can continue to participate in voting and speaking in parliamentary sessions, providing continuity for the party's legislative work. The Folketing's rules of procedure allow ministers to take leave from their parliamentary duties while serving in government.

Sloth and Lay, who were the first substitutes for Nawa and Stampe respectively, will now represent their constituencies in parliament. Sloth received 1,630 personal votes in the Copenhagen constituency during the last general election, while Lay secured 902 votes in the Zealand constituency.