Moderates party tightens candidate vetting after past controversies

The Moderates party in Denmark has significantly strengthened its screening process for political candidates following past controversies, party member Henrik Frandsen told public broadcaster DR.

Frandsen, who briefly served as minister for senior citizens until the recent election, acknowledged that excluding newly elected MPs shortly after an election—such as the recent cases involving Jacob Harris (Citizens’ Party) and Cecilie Liv Hansen (Liberal Alliance)—should not happen if parties conduct thorough vetting.

“You must be able to stand by the party you represent,” Frandsen said. “We have learned from our own bad experiences during our first term.”

The Moderates faced internal issues after the 2022 election, when five members—Mike Fonseca, Karin Liltorp, Jon Stephensen, Kristian Klarskov, and Jeppe Søe—were asked to leave the party. Frandsen described this as a “strong signal” to improve their processes.

For the 2026 election, the party implemented stricter measures, including detailed interviews and background checks. “We have tightened things considerably compared to the first period,” Frandsen explained. “This time, candidates have been screened much more thoroughly.”

He admitted that rapid party formation before the 2022 election may have led to insufficient vetting. “Some who were nominated shouldn’t have been on our list,” he said.

Frandsen also noted the challenges smaller or newer parties face in assessing candidates without strong local networks. “It’s easy to say in hindsight that they shouldn’t have been nominated, but when you’re in that situation, it can be hard to fully know who you’re putting forward,” he said.