Today’s big topic: Here are three scenarios for how the election could play out in Copenhagen

Foto: Sebastian Elias Uth/Ritzau Scanpix

What’s happening?

With a week to go before the local elections, Copenhagen’s mayoral race is intensifying amid attacks on Line Barfod’s past and scrutiny of Sisse Marie Welling’s handling of elder care, while Socialdemokratiet toughen their campaign to stem voter drift leftward.

Political analyst Elisabet Svane outlines three likely outcomes: a deep‑red majority that could put Barfod in the mayor’s chair; a centrist, unpredictable mix where Welling could become pivotal; or a Social Democratic comeback if conservatives rally behind Pernille Rosenkrantz‑Theil.

Rosenkrantz‑Theil has vowed to go into opposition if she doesn’t win the mayoralty. Copenhagen’s rules make 28 seats the threshold to secure the mayor’s post via first pick of seven, while 37 seats can lock in both the mayoralty and the influential technical/environmental portfolio.

Why it matters!

With the municipal election days away, Copenhagen’s mayoral race matters because the city often sets the national political tone and the office carries real symbolic and strategic weight. The power struggle among Socialdemokratiet, SF, and Enhedslisten could reshape the left’s balance and influence the Social Democrats’ position nationally.

Controversies over elder care and candidates’ pasts are stress-testing credibility and leadership, which can sway late-deciding voters. And election-night dealmaking—shaped by Copenhagen’s mandate math—will determine who holds real influence for the next four years.

Still curious? Read the full article here.

In other news

–Sexual abuse can lead to lasting physical symptoms

Women who’ve experienced sexual assault face a markedly higher risk of developing unexplained physical symptoms and functional disorders—69% higher within five years—such as gastrointestinal problems, chest pain, and dizziness, even in the absence of anxiety or depression. The Danish study of 4,229 adults, published in JAMA Psychiatry, urges healthcare providers to recognize these symptoms as potential direct effects of trauma and to offer targeted support and follow-up.

– Home sales are booming

Denmark’s housing market is buzzing: October home sales hit their highest level since 2021 and nearly matched the October 2020 record, according to Boligsiden. Despite global uncertainty, robust employment and rising wages are fueling demand, prices have surpassed their 2022 peak in many areas (especially cities), which may spur more listings—Nykredit expects activity to stay high—while summerhouse sales dipped slightly.

– Vestas will cut 190 jobs at its offices in Denmark

Vestas will trim global office headcount by 900 by year-end versus August—including 190 roles in Denmark—about 2% of its workforce, as it streamlines operations; departures will be a mix of voluntary exits, layoffs, and reduced use of external consultants. Despite the cuts, Vestas has added over 3,500 employees globally and 600 in Denmark since last year, and strong Q3 results (EUR 5.3bn revenue, EUR 304m profit, double year-on-year) have driven the share up 14.8% on Nov 5 and nearly 55% so far in 2025.

Talk of town: Student behavior has changed: »You have to be exceptionally strong to run a classroom«

With a draft bill out for consultation, Minister Mattias Tesfaye proposes allowing teachers to physically restrain or remove students who significantly disrupt lessons—expanding current law, which permits intervention only to prevent danger.

The plan has sparked fierce debate: over 500 researchers and school professionals warn it will escalate conflicts, while 300 teachers, led by Maja Rømer, argue it’s a responsible tool to protect teaching and classmates. Rømer cites everyday disruptions and says removal can be gentle and limited.

Neuropsychologist Bo Hejlskov Elvén counters that such measures increase disruption, traumatize bystanders, and erode trust. Tesfaye says clarity and consequences are needed for a more child-friendly school and legal protection, citing cases like stopping illicit filming. The bill requires interventions be as gentle and brief as possible and bans humiliating or degrading treatment.

Read the full article here.

This newsletter features stories originally published in Danish. AI was used to shorten and translate the articles into English, after which a member of the editorial staff reviewed and refined the content.