Nothing seems to be able to stop the #metoo movement, which has been sweeping over Denmark since the beginning of September. After the leader of the Social Liberal Party, on October 7, the mayor of Copenhagen, Frank Jensen, in office since 2010, announced on Monday October 19 that he was resigning and abandoning politics. Number two in the Social Democratic Party, he had been accused since the weekend of inappropriate gestures against several women during public events.
After an urgently called meeting on Sunday, the party leadership in Copenhagen had renewed its confidence in him. In the evening, Frank Jensen had posted a long message on Facebook, where he apologized to the women. He recognized “To be part of an unhealthy, old and party culture” but committed to “Implement the necessary changes”.
His promises failed to convince the movement of young social democrats, which continued to demand his departure. Ultimately, Frank Jensen felt that “Pressure from the media” risked ” make shadow “ to his political action and decided to throw in the towel, not without denouncing, in passing, the “People’s courts”.
Three years ago, the #metoo movement had barely resonated in Denmark, a country often cited as an example of gender equality. Few women had dared to speak. And when they did, their testimonies were often questioned, deterring others.
Culture change
On September 6, host Sofie Linde, a star of the small screen, broke the silence on TV2. At a prime-time gala, she described the sexism and sexual harassment she has suffered since the start of her career. Because they feared the debate would be stifled yet again, seven journalists wrote a letter of support for her, signed by 1,615 women working in the media. Since then, similar texts have been produced by 689 researchers, 664 film personalities, 543 doctors, etc.
On September 25, 322 politicians in turn broke the silence. The newspaper Politiken published 79 of their testimonies, all anonymous. They denounce touching, harassment, but also sexual assault. The leaders of most parties – with the exception of the far right and the Liberal Party, which see it as a lynching organized by feminists – have pledged to act.
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