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| Prime Minister Fogh Rasmussen |
| Courtesy Danish Foreign
Ministry |
The election of Anders Fogh Rasmussen, prime minister
since Nov. 2001, represented the first time a party
other than the reigning social democrats had held
power since 1920. His party Venstre, is called
the Liberal party, although it is far less liberal
than our own. Educated as an economist, he was first
elected to parliament at the age of 25. Among his
other accomplishments, he wrote the manifesto From
Social State to Minimal State, in 1992. Prime
Minister Rasmussen was interviewed on Aug. 28, 2002.
How will the EU presidency affect Denmark,
and what does it mean to your country?
Prime Minister Fogh Rasmussen: First of
all I would like to stress that we consider our
presidency a historic task to carry through the
decision on the enlargement of the European Union.
We’re not going to pursue – I would like
to stress – specific national interests, but
on the other hand I think that a small country can
be an honest broker.
Secondly, the Danish presidency will have an impact
on the domestic debate on Europe, and I think that
Denmark will be able to prove that even a small
country can make its mark.
The system of rotating presidencies is an opportunity
for small countries to prove that they can make
a difference, to gain influence.
I think that would be the most important impact
on domestic public opinion.
Can you give an example of what you might
see as a downside of EU enlargement?
Prime Minister Fogh Rasmussen: That’s
very hard for me because I don’t see really
serious disadvantages. On the contrary, I think
it’s a win-win situation. It’s a classical
situation. When you expand a free market all parties
gain from that. We will expand the internal market
of the EU. The number of inhabitants – that
is consumers -- will increase. This will be a free
market without border control, free flow of capital,
labor, goods, services, and this to the benefit
of all. Both in the short and long run we all gain
from that. I’m a classical liberalist. I’m
a free trader. I believe in free trade as a very
efficient means to achieve economic growth, prosperity.
I would like to quote an old saying, “If goods
don’t cross borders, soldiers will.”
How do you rate U.S.-Danish relations?
Prime Minister Fogh Rasmussen: I visited
President Bush in March and after that visit I was
able to declare that I think that the relations
between Denmark and the U.S. are the best ever.
There is a lot of evidence of that. In the aftermath
of the tragic event of 9/11 there were very strong
manifestations in Denmark. People went to the American
embassy, there were a lot of candles there, flowers;
it was really a spontaneous action of sympathy.
Politically, we have not only in words but in action
supported the U.S. in the fight against terrorism.
Denmark decided to send Special Forces troops to
Afghanistan and they fought there shoulder to shoulder
with American soldiers.
Actually this was a historic decision. We usually
only send soldiers for peacekeeping missions. This
was what we called a sharp contribution.
Was this unprecedented?
Prime Minister Fogh Rasmussen:Yes.
This may be below your pay grade, but where
are the biggest concentrations of Danes in the United
States?
Prime Minister Fogh Rasmussen: I think we
have to look at the Midwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin,
and Iowa. Many Danes have personal relations with
Americans. Just to use my own family for example,
we have three children and all of them have studied
in the United States. We also have a lot of Mormons,
in Salt Lake City. The church established itself
in Denmark in the middle of the 19th century and
made a lot of initiatives. I think they paid tickets
for poor emigrants to get there.
What do you think that each country can learn
from the other?
Prime Minister Fogh Rasmussen: I’m
a big admirer of the basic ideas on which the American
society is built. This is not to say that I agree
with the United States on all issues -- of course
not. But I think that we share common values and
the basic ideas. The American society is built on
the belief that if we give people freedom and opportunities
we will stimulate private initiatives and thereby
growth in society. I think that this is the basic
idea. I’m what you call a classical liberal-not
a liberal in the American sense of the word but
European classical liberal. I believe in liberty,
in private initiative, and it’s evident that
the American society has achieved high standards
because of those precepts. And we could learn a
lot from that.
On the other hand, we should assess each society
on its own conditions and terms. For instance, we
would not like to introduce the American health
system in Danish society. We may have different
views on some international issues, for example;
like the international criminal courts and the environment.
But I think we should focus on the common values.
They’re much stronger.
And what do you think America can learn from
Denmark?
Prime Minister Fogh Rasmussen: Look directly
at the differences. I touched on the theme of the
welfare system before. I think that Denmark has
found a balance between a free market system and
a comprehensive welfare system. This is not to say
that we don’t need reforms --certainly we do,
and the new government intends to carry through
the reforms of the Danish welfare system. But I
think that Denmark has shown that it is possible
to combine a free market with social responsibility
and a certain degree of government-financed welfare.
Maybe Americans could learn a bit from that. But
I have to add that in my opinion our taxes are too
high.
The new government intends to reduce that, and
the first step has been to introduce a taxation
stop.
Do you have any thoughts on why people in
this part of the world are so good at creating functioning
social welfare systems? Everybody else has either
refused it or tried to do it and seen it fall in
their face. Why is it succeeding here?
Prime Minister Fogh Rasmussen: I don’t
know if I have the exact answer, it’s a very
interesting question. I could make a contribution
to it at least.
Historically, we Scandinavians have lived under
difficult conditions. It’s a bit cold, dark,
and you have to strive. So you have to be efficient.
But on the other hand we know that we should help
each other if something goes wrong. I think it’s
deep in our heritage.
Where do you think Denmark is going to be
in 10 years? What changes do you see for Denmark
over the next decade?
Prime Minister Fogh Rasmussen: Domestically,
hopefully a lower tax burden, a new welfare system
which is still based on common responsibility for
the main welfare tasks, but one combined with individual
liberty, freedom to choose. We would like to provide
welfare services in such a way that people can choose
between different providers – private or government
financed -- but we should create a real free market,
so to speak.
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